Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Ariana Lugo-Trejo, and I am currently majoring in Exercise Physiology with aspirations to become a Physician Assistant in Emergency Medicine. As a first-generation college student from Immokalee, Florida, and of Mexican descent, my passion for medicine and health stems from my experiences growing up in a rural community where healthcare disparities were prevalent. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a career focused on bridging healthcare gaps, particularly for underserved and high-risk populations.

Parent-Child Interactions in High-Risk Families: Impacts on Child Behavior and Development

Abstract

Currently, I am conducting research that explores the relationship between parent-child interactions in high-risk families and how these dynamics affect child behavior and development. This study aims to identify key patterns in these interactions, particularly in families facing challenges like poverty, single-parent households, mental health issues, and substance use. By observing these families, my research seeks to inform more targeted interventions that can promote positive outcomes for both children and their families. I am particularly interested in understanding how the stressors that high-risk families face—such as limited access to resources and increased life challenges—affect their ability to maintain healthy, positive interactions. These interactions play a significant role in the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children, and my research aims to shed light on how these factors influence long-term child outcomes.
I am eager to continue my academic and research pursuits, with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant and contributing to meaningful change in healthcare, especially for those in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Keywords: Parent-Child Interactions , Health Disparities, Family Dynamics and Child Outcomes