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Maria G. Espinosa-Hernandez

I am a developmental researcher. My interests are in normative and risky sexual development and psychological adjustment among Latino adolescents in diverse cultural contexts. Currently, my lab and I are conducting cross-cultural research focusing on sexuality, romantic relationships and psychological adjustment among middle and late adolescents of Mexican-origin living both in Mexico and the U.S. I regularly teach courses in Lifespan Development and Adolescent Psychology.  

Selected Publications

Bámaca-Colbert, M. Y. Plunkett, S. W. & Espinosa-Hernández, G. (in press). Cultural and Interpersonal Contexts in Adolescent Depression among Latina Females. In N. Cabrera, F. Villarruel, & H. E. Fitzgerald, (Eds.), Child Psychology and Mental Health: Cultural and Ethno-Racial Perspectives: Vol 1: Latina/o American Children’s Mental Health: Development and Context.

Espinosa-Hernández, G. & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2009). Sexual behaviors and attitudes and ethnic identity during college. Journal of Sex Research, 46, 471-482.

Lefkowitz, E. S., & Espinosa-Hernández, G. (2007). Sex-related communication with mothers and best friends during the transition to university. Journal of Sex Research, 44, 17-27.

Marván, M. L., Vacio, A., García-Yáñez, G. & Espinosa-Hernández, G. (2007). Attitudes toward menarche among Mexican preadolescents. Women & Health, 46, 7-23.

Maldonado-Molina, M. M., Reyes, A. N., & Espinosa-Hernández, G. (2006). Prevention research and Latino families: Resources for researchers and practitioners. Family Relations, 55, 403-414.

Sievert, L. L. & Espinosa-Hernández, G. (2003). Attitudes toward menopause in relation to symptom experience in Puebla, Mexico. Women & Health, 38, 93-106.