Kate Guastaferro

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

Professional overview

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.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow, Prevention and Methodology Training Program (T32 DA017629), The Pennsylvania State University

PhD Public Health, Georgia State University

MPH Health Promotion, Georgia State University

BA Anthropology, Boston University

Honors and awards

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)

Publications

Publications

Mobile Phones and the Prevention of Child Maltreatment: Innovation & Implications. 

Jackson, M. C., Guastaferro, K., Self-Brown, S., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

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More work needed to protect children but promising trend data on exposure to violence

Guastaferro, K., Lutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Journal title

JAMA Pediatrics

Volume

168

Issue

6

Page(s)

512-514

10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.5330

Abstract

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Mothers with Intellectual Disability: Experiences and Implications for Service Delivery.

Guastaferro, K., Lutzker, J. R., & Graham, M. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

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Reaching Families in an Adult Felony-Level Drug Court.

Guastaferro, K., Guastaferro, W. P., Brown, J. R., & Graves, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

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The Effect of Parent-Infant Interaction Training on Maternal Utterances: Language Environment Analysis Opportunities and Implications

Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

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The Evaluation and Dissemination of Parents as Teachers (PAT) + SafeCare® to Improve Outcomes for High-Risk Families. 

Lutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., & Graham, M. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

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We're lucky for Temple Grandin's brain

Lutzker, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Journal title

PsycCritiques

Volume

59

Issue

16

Page(s)

6

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Braiding Two Evidence-Based Parenting Programs: Research Design and Implementation 

Guastaferro, K., Graham, M. L., Lutzker, J. R., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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Creating sustainable partnerships to meet the needs of high-risk families. 

Guastaferro, K., Graham, M. L., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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Developmental Milestone Identification as a Child Maltreatment Prevention Technique for Teen Mothers. 

Guastaferro, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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Enhancing parent-infant interactions with high-risk parents

Lutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., Graham, M. L., Morales, Y., & Aguilar, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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SafeCare®: From development to innovative sustainability strategies.

Lutzker, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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Teaching young mothers to identify developmental milestones

Guastaferro, K., Guastaferro, K. M., Lutzker, J. R., Jabaley, J. J., Shanley, J. R., & Crimmins, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

Journal title

International Journal of Child Health and Human Development

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

223-233

Abstract

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Early identification of a developmental delay may allow for early intervention, a strategy shown to improve child outcomes. Often, pediatricians rely on parent observations to share concerns about development. The purpose of this research was to examine whether a combination of line-art drawings and discussion framed within SafeCare® increases a mothers' identification of developmental milestones. Thus, we examined the tDevelop, a tool designed to increase parent identification of developmental milestones and ageappropriate activities. Two high-risk families with children approximately 24-months of age were recruited from a residential program for young mothers. The mothers were presented with the tDevelop along with standard SafeCare® Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) information, including Planned Activities Training and age-appropriate activities. Data from a multiple-probe, single-case experimental design, suggest that mothers are able to recognize developmental milestones with increased accuracy upon intervention with the tDevelop. The enhanced PCI protocol may enhance parental identification of developmental milestones and may have significant implications for the early identification of developmental delays.

Using digital picture frame technology as an enhancement to the parent-infant interaction module of SafeCare®.

Guastaferro, K., Graham, M. L., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

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SafeCare®: Historical perspective and dynamic development of an evidence-based scaled-up model for the prevention of child maltreatment

Guastaferro, K., Guastaferro, K. M., Lutzker, J. R., Graham, M. L., Shanley, J. R., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2012

Journal title

Psychosocial Intervention

Volume

21

Issue

2

Page(s)

171-180

10.5093/in2012a17

Abstract

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SafeCare is an evidence-based parent-training program that reduces child maltreatment, particularly neglect. The risk of child maltreatment, a public health issue affecting millions of U.S. children each year, can be markedly reduced by interventions such as SafeCare that deliver in-home services. Drawing from applied behavioral analysis roots, SafeCare focuses on providing parents with concrete skills in three areas: health, home safety, and parent-child/-infant interaction. This paper will include an overview of the SafeCare model, an historical perspective of its history and dynamic development, description of the theoretical underpinnings of the model, a description of the program targets and content by describing its modules and delivery, an overview of program outcomes, and data discussion of dissemination and implementation.

Applying intervention optimization to implementation science

Guastaferro, K., Moucheraud, C., Purtle, J., Collins, L., & Shelley, D. (n.d.).

Journal title

Implementation Science

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Child maltreatment

Guastaferro, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.). (J. C. V. &amp & D. J. Cox, Eds.).

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Cultural and familial influences on parents’ child sexual abuse-related awareness and protective behaviors

Bhoja, A., Abourjaily, E., McCormick, K. V., Zeleke, M. B., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

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Enhancing child maltreatment risk assessment by integrating food security

Abuchaibe, V., Ott, K. A., Dan, C., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

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Evaluating smoking cessation interventions for people living with HIV in a factorial randomized clinical trial in South Africa using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework: The Tlogela Trial protocol

Genade, L. P., Steiner, L., Nabeedmeeah, F., Niaura, R. S., Nonyane, B. S., Hoffman, C. J., Sohn, H., Kemp, C. G., Guastaferro, K., Mlambo, L., Chetty, D., Waja, Z., Matinson, N., Golub, J. E., & Elf, J. L. (n.d.).

Journal title

Contemporary Clinical Trials

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Grandparents raising grandchildren: Exploring perceptions of social support

Guastaferro, K., Mozid, N. E., Kramsky, J., Young, K. S., & Melkonian, M. I. (n.d.).

Journal title

Frontiers in Public Health

Abstract

Abstract

Grandparents raising grandchildren (colloquially referred to as ‘grandfamilies’) are a rapidly growing population in the United States. Census data indicate that 2.3 million grandparents are solely responsible for their grandchildren (Generations United, 2021; U.S. Census Bureau, 2022a, 2022b). Reasons for acquisition are plentiful including parental substance use, termination of parental rights, parental death, parental incarceration. Grandparents raising grandchildren are subject to the same stressors of other adults their age and of a similar socioeconomic status: varying degrees of financial insecurity, health problems, employment issues, and family conflict (Baker & Mutchler, 2010; Sands & Goldberg-Glen, 2000). However, prior research suggests that, compared to their peers, grandparents raising grandchildren are more likely to experience poor physical (e.g., fatigue, diabetes, hypertension; Hughes et al., 2007) mental or psychological (e.g., depression, distress; Baker & Silverstein, 2008; Blustein et al., 2004) and social (e.g., isolation, marital stress; Wang & Mutchler, 2020) outcomes (Hank et al., 2018). Although there is been work to develop community-based interventions to support grandfamlilies, a recent meta-analysis indicated programs produce small to moderate effect sizes on only a portion of the grandfamilies’ needs. Moreover, there is neither a network of services nor infrastructure to universally support services that sufficiently addresses grandparents’ need for support, resources, and training. A mixed method study with 70 survey participants – 16 of whom were then randomly selected to complete an interview and focus group – sought to understand the (a) reasons for acquisition, (b) needs, (c) areas of concern, and (d) what would be most helpful to grandparents in this caregiving role. The data presented in the current manuscript will focus on the grandparents’ perceived levels of social support and isolation comparing quantitative to qualitative responses. On the survey, grandparents reported moderate levels of perceived social support from significant others, family members, and friends. However, in interviews and focus groups grandparents speak at length about being isolated and feeling alone. Discordance between the quantitative and qualitative responses will be discussed in the context of the literature and other family characteristics. Exploring these different reports have important implications for intervention development.  

Grandparents raising grandchildren: Impact of grandparents’ chronic stress on grandparent-parent relationship and life satisfaction

Mozid, N. E., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

Journal title

Innovation in Aging

Abstract

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Background and Objectives Grandparents raising grandchildren are a rapidly growing population in the United States. Raising a grandchild impacts grandparents’ immediate and extended family relationships and amplifies stressors in the relationship with the parent of the grandchild. The quality of relationships with the parents negatively impacts grandparents’ psychosocial well-being but may also have lasting adverse effects on the grandchild. Research Design and Methods Using the most recent wave (2020) of the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study, we conducted linear regression analyses to understand the association between chronic stress (e.g., health, finances, housing) and anxiety symptoms by gender and race among grandparents raising grandchildren (N=4,238). Then, we examined the grandparents’ relationship with the parent and satisfaction with life as potential mediators in these associations. Results Grandparents’ ongoing chronic stressors were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (β=0.349; p< 0.01); however, there were no significant differences in total chronic stress by gender or race. Path analysis showed both the grandparent-parent relationship and grandparents’ satisfaction with life partially mediated the association between grandparents’ chronic stress and anxiety symptoms (p< 0.001). Discussion and Implications Cultivating a consistent and quality relationship between grandparent and parent as well as focusing on grandparents’ perspectives of life suggests innovative intervention targets to improve the health and well-being of both grandparents and grandchildren.

Grandparents raising grandchildren: Understanding the experience and needs of an emerging public health priority population

Guastaferro, K., Mozid, N. E., Kramsky, J., Young, K. S., Melkonian, M. I., Solomon, E., & Chambers, G. (n.d.).

Journal title

The Gerontologist

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Household Family Type in Child Protective Services: Single Dads Need Attention, Too

Shipe, S. L., Adrian, C., Guastaferro, K., & Connell, C. M. (n.d.).

Abstract

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Abstract: Background and Purpose: The focus on families in the child welfare system (CWS) have centered primarily on married caregivers, single mothers, or non-residential fathers (Campbell et al., 2015; Shipe, 2018) leaving out the fastest growing population of caregivers – single fathers, or men who are divorced, separated, widowed, never married, or not living with a partner, and are the primary caregiver for at least one child. In the last 20 years the growth of single fathers involved in a child protective services (CPS) investigation has almost doubled from 2.6% in 2004 to almost 5% in 2022 (DHHS, 2023), yet information about whether the needs of these families differ from other family types in virtually nonexistent. The current study begins to fill this gap by determining how single father homes differ from other household family types as it relates to both entry into and continued involvement with CPS. The research questions specifically ask: (1) what demographic and risk factors predict re-report to CPS? and (2) does household family type, specifically single father homes, moderate the relationship of re-report? Methods: Data were from National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) 2017-2019 Child Files. The analytic sample comprised of the four household family types – single fathers, single mothers, married couples, and unmarried couples. Other variables of interest included child demographic characteristics, allegation type, and risk indicators for children (i.e., prior CPS report, substance use, behavioral issues, disabilities, and other medical concerns) (N = 249,026). The dependent variable was re-report of abuse/neglect within 18 months of investigation. Logistic regression was used to first investigate which demographic and child risk factors predicted re-report to CPS. A subsequent logistic regression was conducted to determine whether family type [single fathers] moderated the effects of re-reporting of child abuse/neglect to CPS. Results: The results found there was a significant relationship between all child risks and re-report; however, when single father homes were added, the results indicated a significant interaction with some risks and re-report to CPS. These included children with behavioral concerns (OR = 0.898, p = .03, CI[0.954 – 1.364]), child with disabilities (OR = 0.802, p = .001, CI[0.697 – 0.922]), children with other medical concerns (OR = 1.264, p = .001, CI[1.106 – 1.404]), prior reports (OR = 0.873, p = .001, CI[0.822 – 0.928]), Latinx children (OR = 1.128, p = .001, CI[1.111 – 1.336]), physical abuse (OR = 1.201, p = .001, CI[1.104 – 1.306]), and sexual abuse (OR = 1.201, p = .001, CI[1.054 – 1.368]). Conclusion and Implications: Although single fathers are the smallest population of caregivers involved in CPS investigations, they are not without unique risks for continued involvement in the child welfare system. To date, the majority of interventions focus on single mothers and coupled household, yet these findings suggest that household family type does warrant attention. Researchers and practitioners should consider augmenting or developing approaches that target the needs of specific family types, particularly single fathers.

Implementation strategies to increase Malawian health care workers’ knowledge about and self-efficacy to recommend HPV vaccination: A pilot study

Moucheraud, C., Kalande, P., Makwaya, A., Kamtsendero, L., Chimbaka, H., Gurpinar, N. G., Hagstrom, C., van Oosterhaut, J. J., Guastaferro, K., Szilagyi, P. G., Phiri, K., & Hoffman, R. M. (n.d.).

Journal title

Implementation Science Communications

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