The overarching mission of my program of research is to generate knowledge that contributes to reducing tobacco-related and behavioral health disparities, particularly among Latino/Hispanic populations. This line of research is significant because individuals with behavioral health disorders and racial/ethnic minorities experience a disproportionate burden of disease and these disparities can be partially attributed to tobacco-related disparities. Currently, the focus of my research is twofold: (1) to examine psychosocial determinants and moderators (e.g. self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, social support) of different smoking cessation milestones (e.g., initial abstinence, long-term cessation, recovery from lapse) among individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders, or hazardous alcohol use; and (2) to develop, culturally adapt and test a distinctive cognitive-behavioral intervention (e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for Latino smokers with comorbid depression/anxiety. This research is funded by the American Cancer Society through a Mentored Research Scholar Grant.
