Current & Recent Research Projects
Researchers at the Roybal Institute are interested in a broad framework of activities that facilitate understanding of the unique needs of culturally diverse older people, with the goal of improving the services they receive—inside and outside of their homes and communities. Current and recent research initiatives are listed below.
Current Projects
Culture, Neuroscience and the Course of Psychosis
Research Period: 7/1/2010 - 6/30/2013
Co-Principal Investigator: William A. Vega, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Foundation for Psychocultural Research
The main objective of the project is to bring together sociocultural and neuroscience researchers to launch an innovative research and research training program in the study of psychosis and psychotic disorders. A major goal will be to carry out a research and research training program that integrates both sociocultural and neuroscience perspectives within the study of the course of psychosis among Mexican-origin persons.
Risk and Protective Factors for Depression among Racial Groups
Research Period: 9/15/2009 - 6/30/2012
Principal Investigator: Karen D. Lincoln, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
This study aims to investigate the social and psychological risk and protective factors for depression among African American, Caribbean Black, Asian American, Latino and non-Hispanic white adults using existing national epidemiological data. The goal of this research is to identify those factors that will enhance current interventions, as well as provide information relevant to the development of new and innovative research-based interventions that meet the mental health needs of diverse populations.
Global Programs
The Roybal Institute aims to identify important trends in evidence-based research and practice in the field of aging—nationally as well as globally. Through our global programs, we hope to (a) provide a better understanding of the challenges facing aging populations in other cultures and the responses to those challenges, (b) nurture a learning environment and (c) provide advanced training and curriculum development, public symposia, comparative research and leadership development in aging. The institute is especially interested in cross-cultural collaborations that inform efforts to improve care for ethnic minority elders in Southern California and nationally.
In collaboration with the China Program at the USC School of Social Work, the Royal Institute is embarking on a project that will seek to advance knowledge about issues facing older adults in China in an effort to gain a new perspective on successful aging that may help older adults in the United States.
The Roybal Institute intends to foster future partnerships with other academic units at USC as well as outside organizations and educational institutions dedicated to advancing research in the study of aging.
Recent Projects
Transition Coaching for Latino Diabetics
Research Period: 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2011
Principal Investigator: Susan Enguidanos
Technical Support Consultant: Roybal Institute
Funding Source: American Diabetes Association
This project will develop a program aimed at improving self-management behaviors and skills for hospitalized Latino diabetics age 50 and over who are leaving the hospital for home. To date, no programs of this type have focused specifically on this group of diabetics. Participants in the program will receive help from a diabetes-trained coach who is also Latino and bilingual. The project seeks to improve treatment of diabetes, specifically aiming at improving adherence to care, continuity of care and patient self-management skills.
Enhanced Geriatric Depression Treatment in Adult Day Health Care
Research Period: 3/18/2009 - 12/31/2011
Principal Investigator: Maria P. Aranda, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
The major goal of the project is to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of adding individually administered Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to enhanced usual care as an approach for treating depression in adult day health care (ADHC) for predominantly low-income Latinos with depression and significant comorbid medical illnesses.
Paths to Wellness for Older African Americans in Adult Day Health Care
Research Period: 8/6/2009 - 10/6/2011
Co-Principal Investigators: Karen D. Lincoln and Maria P. Aranda, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Larson Endowment for Innovative Research and Teaching, USC School of Social Work
This randomized pilot study investigated the feasibility, acceptability and trend toward effectiveness of adding individually administered Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to treat current major depressive disorder (MDD) in older African Americans enrolled in adult day health care (ADHC).
National Network on Multicultural Research on Health and Health Care to Eliminate Health and Healthcare Disparities
Research Period: 11/15/2007 - 6/14/2011
Principal Investigator: William A. Vega, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
This project brought together a team of 12 multidisciplinary senior faculty researchers to investigate disparities in medical care provided to minority subpopulations for chronic diseases and to mentor junior faculty investigators to develop a new generation of researchers with the skills needed to reduce disparities through improved health care.
Uncovering Opportunities for Prevention and Early Intervention among Older Minority Groups in Disadvantaged L.A. Neighborhoods
Research Period: 11/1/2010 - 3/31/2011
Co-Principal Investigators: William A. Vega and Karen D. Lincoln, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Los Angeles Basin Clinical and Translational Science Institute; Larson Endowment for Innovative Research and Teaching, USC School of Social Work
The Roybal Institute conducted a pilot study to develop a population survey instrument with a dual focus on aging populations and their caregivers, which collected information on the health status, health maintenance and optimal functioning of seniors in low-income areas of Los Angeles.
Health Disparities within the Context of Health Disparities: Depression and Obesity among Black Women
Research Period: 11/1/2010 - 3/31/2011
Principal Investigator: Karen D. Lincoln, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Los Angeles Basin Clinical and Translational Science Institute
The project aimed to investigate mental health disparities within the context of health disparities. Specifically, it used data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) to examine the relationship between obesity and depression among black women.
Testing of a Frailty Diagnostic Measure for Low-Income, Medically Ill Older Adults with Depression
Research Period: 11/1/2010 - 3/31/2011
Principal Investigator: Maria P. Aranda, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Los Angeles Basin Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Little is known about the frailty syndrome and its relationship to clinical depression in older minorities. The study aims to develop and test a frailty measure for its predictive ability in determining clinical depression and severity.
Community-Based Management of the Chronically Mentally Ill
Research Period: 9/5/2008 - 6/30/2010
Co-Investigator: William A. Vega, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
The primary objective of the center grant was to create a sustainable community-based participatory research program for African Americans with depression residing in South Los Angeles, with the ultimate objective of improving the quality of their lives and reducing relapse through improved community based integration of services with natural networks and other community support systems.
Community Action to Address Health Disparities
Research Period: 7/1/2007 - 6/30/2010
Co-Investigator: William A. Vega, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The primary objective of the project was to develop and implement nutrition and exercise interventions into minority communities in Southern California.
Ethnicity and the Diagnosis of Affective Illness
Research Period: 7/15/2005 - 6/30/2010
Principal Investigator: William A. Vega, Roybal Institute
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
In an effort to better understand diagnostic disparities (i.e., the overdiagnosis of psychosis in African Americans), the study examined how patient characteristics (i.e., ethnicity) influence the diagnostic process in patients with serious mental illness. The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that clinicians over-emphasize psychotic symptoms at the expense of affective symptoms in African Americans.