Kate Guastaferro
Kate Guastaferro
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Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Co-Director of the Center for the Advancement and Dissemination of Intervention Optimization
Director of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program
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Professional overview
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Kate Guastaferro, PhD is an intervention scientist by training, her work is devoted to the development, optimization, implementation and evaluation of effective, efficient, affordable and scalable interventions with high public health impact. She is an expert in the multiphase optimization (MOST) strategy and her expertise is in parent-focused, multicomponent behavioral interventions to prevent child maltreatment. Dr. Guastaferro co-led a statewide trial focused on the coordinated implementation of three evidence-base child sexual abuse prevention programs; included in this trial was the parent-focused child sexual abuse program that she developed, piloted and evaluated. Her current work is focused on the integration of intervention optimization into the prevention of child maltreatment.
Prior to joining NYU, Dr. Guastaferro was an assistant research professor in human development and family studies at the Pennsylvania State University, and an affiliate of its Prevention Research Center and Child Maltreatment Solutions Network. In 2020, she was awarded the Victoria S. Levin Award for Early Career Success in Young Children’s Mental Health Research from the Society for Research in Child Development. She has been published in Child Maltreatment, Translational Behavioral Medicine, and the American Journal of Public Health.
Dr. Guastaferro received her PhD and MPH from Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, and her BA in anthropology from Boston University. She also completed a year of postdoctoral training at the Pennsylvania State University.
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Education
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Postdoctoral Fellow, Prevention and Methodology Training Program (T32 DA017629), The Pennsylvania State UniversityPhD Public Health, Georgia State UniversityMPH Health Promotion, Georgia State UniversityBA Anthropology, Boston University
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Honors and awards
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Victoria S. Levin Award, Society for Research on Child Development (2020)NIH Loan Repayment Program Award: Toward the Optimization of Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment (201820192020)Public Health Achievement Award, Georgia State University (2016)Scarlet Key Honor Society, Boston University (2008)
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Publications
Publications
Examining the development and optimization trial findings of itMatters: An online STI preventive intervention for college students.
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Milroy, J. M., Tanner, A. E., Wyrick, D. L., & Collins, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~Introduction to the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) for building more effective, efficient, economical, and scalable behavioral and biobehavioral interventions.
AbstractCollins, L., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~Is sexual abuse a unique predictor of sexual risk behaviors, pregnancy, and motherhood in adolescence?
AbstractNoll, J. G., Guastaferro, K., Beal, S. J., Schreier, H. M., Barnes, J., Reader, J. M., & Font, S. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of Research on AdolescenceVolume
29Issue
4Page(s)
967-983AbstractThis study tested sexual abuse as a unique predictor of subsequent adolescent sexual behaviors, pregnancy, and motherhood when in company with other types of maltreatment (physical abuse, neglect) and alternative behavioral, family, and contextual risk factors in a prospective, longitudinal study of maltreated (n = 275) and comparison (n = 239) nulliparous females aged 14–19 years old assessed annually through 19 years old. Hierarchical regression was used to disentangle risk factors that account for the associations of maltreatment type on risky sexual behaviors at 19 years old, adolescent pregnancy, and adolescent motherhood. Findings indicate that sexual and physical abuse remain significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors, and that sexual abuse remains a significant predictor of adolescent motherhood when alternative explanatory variables are controlled.ItMatters: An empirical and iterative optimization of an online STI preventive intervention.
AbstractTanner, A. E., Milroy, J., Guastaferro, K., Wyrick, D. L., Thorpe, S., Ware, S., & Collins, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~Modification to a systematically braided parent-support curriculum: Results from a feasibility pilot
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Miller, K., Lai, B. S., Shanley, J., Kemner, A., Whitaker, D. J., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of Child and Family StudiesVolume
28Issue
7Page(s)
1780-1789AbstractObjectives: There are a variety of parent-support programs designed to improve parenting and, thereby, the safety and well-being of children. Providers trained in multiple programs are likely to select components of interventions they feel will meet the needs of the families they serve leaving out aspects they deem unnecessary or redundant. In so doing, the fidelity of the evidence-based program is at risk. A potential solution is systematic braiding in which evidence-based programs are combined such that the fidelity to each original model and its implementation are maintained. Methods: Drawing on qualitative feedback from a prior iteration, this paper discusses results of a feasibility and acceptability pilot of a modified version of the systematically braided Parents as Teachers and SafeCare at Home (PATSCH) curriculum. This modification removed a provider-perceived “redundant” portion from the original PATSCH curriculum. A pre-post design (N= 18) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the modified curriculum. Results: Significant improvements were seen in trained parent behaviors surrounding home safety and child health. There was also improvement in self-reported parenting behaviors, the portion of the braided curriculum removed, suggesting that the PAT curriculum adequately teaches these skills. Providers and parents were highly satisfied with the modified curriculum. Conclusions: If a curriculum is modified to reflect provider and parent preferences, then the potential for delivery without fidelity is minimized.Optimization Trials for Digital Interventions
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~Parent-focused Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Results from an Acceptability & Feasibility Pilot.
AbstractZadzora, K. M., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~Smart Parents – Safe and Healthy Kids.
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~The effect of substantiated and unsubstantiated investigations of child maltreatment and subsequent adolescent health
AbstractKugler, K. C., Guastaferro, K., Shenk, C. E., Beal, S. J., Zadzora, K. M., & Noll, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Child Abuse and NeglectVolume
87Page(s)
112-119AbstractChildren with substantiated child maltreatment (CM) experience adverse health outcomes. However, it is unclear whether substantiation vs. an investigation not resulting in substantiation has a greater impact on subsequent adolescent health. Propensity scores were used to examine the effect of investigated reports on the subsequent health of 503 adolescent females. CM was categorized into three levels: 1) investigated and substantiated, 2) investigated but unsubstantiated, and 3) no investigation. Models using inverse propensity score weights estimated the effect of an investigation on subsequent teen motherhood, HIV-risk behaviors, drug use, and depressive symptoms. Females with any investigation, regardless of substantiation status, were more likely to become teen mothers, engage in HIV-risk behaviors, and use drugs compared to females with no investigated report. Substantiated CM was associated with depressive symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of maintaining case records, regardless of substantiation, to better serve adolescents at risk for deleterious outcomes. Prospective methods and propensity scores bolster causal inference and highlight how interventions implemented following investigation are an important prevention opportunity.The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative: A Comprehensive Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategy.
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Abstract~A guide to programs for parenting children with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities: Evidence-based guidance for professionals
AbstractGuastaferro, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2018AbstractThis book provides a comprehensive outline of the major parent training programs for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder.Parents or primary caregivers spend the most time with a child, and training them in behaviour management and intervention strategies is critical to improving a child's behaviour, to helping them to learn new skills, and to reduce parental stress. Authored by eminent specialists in the field and written for researchers and clinicians supporting or treating families, each chapter focuses on one of the key evidence-based parent training programs - from Incredible Years® and Positive Family Intervention through to Pivotal Response Treatment and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Each chapter provides a breakdown that features an introduction to the model, evidence for the model, a full description of the model, a discussion of implementation and dissemination efforts, and concluding comments.Grounded in research, this definitive overview provides the evidence and guidance required for anyone considering investing in or running a parenting program.A parent education program designed to enhance the developmental growth of infants at-risk for autism
AbstractMolko-Harpaz, R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.). (K. G. & & J. R. Lutzker, Eds.).Publication year
2018Page(s)
211-234Abstract~Braiding two evidence-based programs for families at-risk: Results of a cluster randomized trial
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Lai, B. S., Miller, K., Shanley Chatham, J., Whitaker, D. J., Self-Brown, S., Kemner, A., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Journal of Child and Family StudiesVolume
27Issue
2Page(s)
535-546AbstractChild maltreatment is a significant public health problem best addressed through evidence-based parent-support programs. There is a wide range of programs with different strengths offering a variety of options for families. Choosing one single evidence-based program often limits the range of services available to meet the unique needs of families. This paper presents findings from a study to examine the systematic braiding of two evidence-based programs, Parents as Teachers and SafeCare at Home (PATSCH), with the goal to provide a more robust intervention for higher risk families. A cluster randomized effectiveness trial was conducted to examine if PATSCH improved parenting behaviors known to decrease the risk for child maltreatment compared to Parents as Teachers (PAT) Alone. Parents (N = 159; 92 PAT Alone; 67 PATSCH) were enrolled to complete a baseline, 6-month and 12-month assessment. Results indicate the groups did not differ on number of environmental hazards in the home, parents’ health care decision-making abilities, child abuse potential, and physical assault over time. However, with regard to the potential for child abuse, the PATSCH group showed a decrease in nonviolence discipline and increase in psychological aggression compared to the PAT group. Further research is needed to better examine this concept and its implications for the field.Innovative Methods in Home Visiting: The Multiphase Optimization Strategy.
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Abstract~Linking patterns of substance use with sexual risk-taking among female adolescents with and without histories of maltreatment
AbstractRivera, P. M., Bray, B. C., Guastaferro, K., Kugler, K., & Noll, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Journal of Adolescent HealthVolume
62Issue
5Page(s)
556-562AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to determine the associations between patterns of substance use and sexual risk-taking among female adolescents with and without histories of maltreatment. Methods: Data are from a prospective cohort study examining the impact of maltreatment on subsequent female adolescent sexual health (N = 504). Participants averaged 18.24 years in age (SD = 1.12), and approximately 63% had substantiated incidences of maltreatment filed with Child Protective Services prior to age 18. The present study used latent class analysis to examine patterns in adolescent substance use, and negative binomial regression models to examine the links between patterns of substance use and sexual risk-taking and to determine whether these associations were moderated by adolescents' maltreatment status. Results: Six classes emerged from latent class analysis labeled as follows: abstainers (25% of sample); polysubstance users—early initiators (13%); polysubstance users—late initiators (23%); alcohol and cannabis users—late initiators (9%); alcohol users—late initiators (18%); and tobacco users (12%). Patterns of adolescent polysubstance use were associated with the highest levels of sexual risk-taking, and patterns of late-initiated polysubstance use, late-initiated alcohol use, and tobacco use were more strongly related to sexual risk-taking for female adolescents with histories of maltreatment. Conclusions: This study is the first to determine the specific patterns of substance use that are more strongly related to sexual risk-taking for maltreated female adolescents. By doing so, this study demonstrates how a person-centered approach can facilitate our understanding of how to best leverage sexual risk-taking prevention efforts.Linking patterns of substance use with sexual risk-taking among female adolescents with and without histories of maltreatment.
AbstractRivera, P. M., Bray, B. C., Kugler, K. C., Guastaferro, K., & Noll, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Abstract~Optimization of an online STI preventive intervention targeting college students.
AbstractKugler, K. C., Wyrick, D. L., Milroy, J., Guastaferro, K., Ware, S., Thorpe, S., & Collins, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Abstract~Using MOST to develop an optimized online STI preventive intervention aimed at college students: Description of conceptual model and iterative approach to optimization
AbstractKugler, K. C., Wyrick, D. L., Tanner, A. E., Milroy, J. J., Chambers, B. D., Ma, A., Guastaferro, K., & Collins, L. (n.d.). (L. M. C. & & K. C. Kugler, Eds.).Publication year
2018Abstract~Drug courts: A secondary prevention model
AbstractGuastaferro, W. P., Lutgen, L., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.). (B. T. & & M. Bradley, Eds.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Engaging adult drug court clients in leisure activities to promote recovery and pro-social interactions.
AbstractRogers-Brown, J. S., Guastaferro, W. P., Caslin, S., Guastaferro, K., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Examining patterns of child maltreatment history and adulthood mental health and substance use outcomes.
AbstractGuastaferro, K., & Bray, B. C. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Getting the most juice for the squeeze: Where SafeCare® and other evidence-based programs need to evolve to better protect children
AbstractGuastaferro, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.). (D. Teti, Ed.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Implementing a braided home-based parent support curriculum: Lessons learned
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Miller, K., Lutzker, J. R., Whitaker, D. J., Shanley Chatham, J., Lai, B. S., & Kemner, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
Psychosocial InterventionVolume
26Issue
3Page(s)
181-187AbstractA singular parent-support program is limited in its ability to address multiple child and family needs. One innovative solution is braiding, a process in which two evidence-based programs are systematically combined as a newly tailored, cohesive curriculum. In this paper we describe the systematic braiding of two parent-support curricula, Parents as Teachers® and SafeCare®. We highlight implementation challenges to inform future planning and braiding efforts. Based on qualitative data (n = 13), we discuss five lessons learned, including identifying a pedagogical approach and sustainability at the model- and site-level. Implications and future directions for braiding and implementation are also discussed.Innovations in parent-training interventions for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Innovative Methods: The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST).
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~