Marcela Raffaelli, PhD
Professor
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
Department of Latina/Latino Studies
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Marcela Raffaelli is a Professor for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Raffaelli’s research is focused on the developmental risk and resilience among diverse populations (e.g., homeless and impoverished Brazilian youth, children of divorce, immigrant families), adaptation and well-being of rural Latino youth and families, and gender-related socialization in Latino families. Her research examines how individuals and families facing challenges are able to maintain positive functioning such as demonstrating resilience. Her work extends theoretical models by focusing on diverse populations around the globe (e.g., Latino immigrants in the U.S., homeless youth in Brazil). By identifying modifiable risk and protective factors, this work informs the creation of interventions and policies.She received her PhD in Psychology in Human Development from the University of Chicago in 1990.
Selected Publications:
Lima, R., Raffaelli, M., Morais, N. A., Santana, J. P., & Koller, S. H. (2021). Capturing the heterogeneity of life on the streets: A person-centered analysis of street histories and social connections of youth. Journal of adolescence, 93, 80–89. PMID: 34678621.
Raffaelli, M., Santana, J. P., de Morais, N. A., Nieto, C. J., & Koller, S. H. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences and adjustment: A longitudinal study of street-involved youth in Brazil. Child abuse & neglect, 85, 91–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.07.032. PMID: 30170923.
Raffaelli, M., Iturbide, M. I., & Fernandez, M. (2016). Development and Well-Being of Rural Latino Youth: Research Findings and Methodological Aspects. In Rural Ethnic Minority Youth and Families in the United States (pp. 89-108). Springer International Publishing.