Luciana Carnero, FCLC '26

Major: Integrative Neuroscience

Bio: Luciana is a senior at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. She is a pre-med student majoring in Integrative Neuroscience, with a cellular and molecular track. She is also minoring in bioethics and is passionate about expanding access to ethical research and practices for underrepresented communities. In her free time, she loves to read, explore the city, and work with animals.

Title of Research: Intergenerational Trauma and Mental Health in Latine Individuals

Mentor: Karen L. Siedlecki, PhD, Psychology

Abstract: Intergenerational trauma is a term used to describe emotional and psychological pain that is passed down from parents to offspring across generations (Cerdeña et al., 2021). While intergenerational trauma has been studied in some populations, namely in children and descendants of holocaust victims (Dashorst et al., 2019; Yehuda et al, 2015), few studies have researched its effects on Latine populations, especially in terms of mental health conditions. The purpose of this project is to examine whether there is an association between the presence of intergenerational trauma and common mental health conditions (i.e., anxiety and depression) in a sample of Latine individuals. Participants (current n = 66) are currently being recruited through ResearchMatch.org. Participants are completing an online survey administered through Qualtrics, which includes an abridged version of the Danieli Inventory of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma questionnaire, as well as assessments of depressive symptoms (via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (via the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale). The project is ongoing, and results are expected in early to mid-April.