Loyola University Chicago

Department of Psychology

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Lauren Hindt

Lauren Hindt
Training Track: Clinical
Lab: Promoting Adjustment in Children through Evaluation (PACE) Lab
Advisor: Scott Leon, Ph.D.
Office: Coffey Hall 202

Undergraduate Degree

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, BA, Child Psychology (major), Neuroscience and Public Health (minors)

Interests

Lauren's research interests include strengthening families and supporting children at risk for social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties from underserved populations, with an overarching goal of improving health equity and reducing disparities. Lauren's current research examines factors that promote adjustment among children and families in the contexts of foster care, parental incarceration, and chronic illness.

Masters Thesis Title

Impact of Visitation with Incarcerated Fathers on Behavioral Adjustment among Children in the Foster Care System

Masters Thesis Abstract

This study sought to examine whether in-person visitation with incarcerated fathers related to less behavioral problems among children in foster care. The sample consisted of 282 youth (M = 10.18, SD = 2.36 years). Data were collected from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Hierarchical Generalized Linear Modeling revealed paternal incarceration was associated with increased externalizing slope trajectories (𝛽15 = .18, p = .025), but not internalizing. African American youth had lower externalizing slope trajectories compared to the remainder of the sample (𝛽20 = -.14, p = .032). The association between paternal incarceration and externalizing was attenuated among youth who visited fathers (𝛽25 = -.17, p = .008). Findings suggest paternal incarceration is associated with externalizing behaviors among youth in foster care, and visitation may be protective. In addition, African American youth appear more resilient in the face of paternal incarceration compared to youth of other backgrounds.

Masters Thesis Committee

Scott Leon, PhD; Arthur Lurigio, PhD

Dissertation Title

Ecological Systems in the Contexts of Foster Care and Parental Incarceration

Dissertation Abstract

(In progress)

Dissertation Committee

Scott Leon, PhD; James Garbarino, PhD; Noni Gaylord-Harden, PhD; Rebecca Shlafer, PhD