About Us

Patricia East

Patricia East

Research Scientist
Contact Information
Email: peast@ucsd.edu

Research and Teaching Interests

Patricia East is a developmental psychologist whose research focuses on adolescent pregnancy and the effects of teenage childbearing on families and siblings. Dr. East is currently researching the increased risk of early pregnancy among the sisters of pregnant and parenting teens. Other research interests include: Latino adolescents’ sibling relationships, educational aspirations, and family caregiving.

 

Education

1980

B.S. University of Denver, Psychology

1986

Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University , Human Development and Family Studies

1986-1989

Post-doc University of California, Irvine , Social Ecology

Honors and Awards

2009

Women Who Mean Business Award – Given by the San Diego Business Journal

2008

Commitment to Diversity Award, University of California, San Diego

2007

Who's Who Among American Women

2001

Distinguished Scientist Lecture, University of Nebraska

1996

Distinguished Research Award, The California Wellness Foundation

1992 - 1997

First Independent Research Support and Transition Award, NICHD

1987 - 1989

National Research Service Award, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, NIMH

1986 - 1987

NIMH Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowship

Most Recent Publications

  • East, P.L., Chien, N.C., & Barber, J.S. (2012). Adolescents’ pregnancy intentions, wantedness, and regret: Cross-lagged relations with mental health and harsh parenting. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74(1), 167-185.
  • Chien, N. C., & East, P. L. (2012). The younger siblings of childbearing adolescents: Parenting influences on their academic and social-emotional adjustment. Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
  • Barber, J. S., & East, P.L. (2011). Children’s experiences after the unintended birth of a sibling. Demography, 48, 101-125.
  • East, P. L., Slonim, A., Horn, E. J., & Reyes, B. T. (2011). Effects of adolescent childbearing on Latino siblings: Changes in family dynamics and feelings toward the teen mother. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 33(4), 540-557.
  • East, P.L. & Chien, N. C. (2010). Family dynamics across pregnant Latina adolescents' transition to parenthood. Journal of Family Psychology, 24, 709-720.
  • East, P., Chien, N., Adams, J., Hokoda, A., & Maier, A. (2010). Links between sisters’ sexual and dating victimization: The roles of neighborhood crime and parental controls. Journal of Family Psychology, 24, 698-708.
  • East, P. L. (2010). Children’s provision of family caregiving: Benefit or burden? Child Development Perspectives, 4(1), 55-61.
  • Barber, J. S., & East, P. L. (2009). Home and parenting resources available to siblings depending on their birth intention status. Child Development, 80, 921-939.
  • East, P.L. , & Weisner, T. S. (2009). Mexican American adolescents’ family caregiving: Selection effects and longitudinal associations with adjustment. Family Relations, 58, 562-577.
  • East, P. L. , Slonim, A., Horn, E., Trinh, C. & Reyes, B. T. (2009). How an adolescent’s childbearing affects siblings’ pregnancy risk: A qualitative study of Mexican American youth. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 41, 210-217.
  • East, P. L. , Weisner, T. S., & Slonim, A. (2009). Youths' caretaking of their adolescent sisters' children: Results from two longitudinal studies. Journal of Family Issues, 13(12), 1671-1697.
  • East, P.L. (2009). Adolescents’ relationships with siblings. In R.M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of adolescent psychology (pp. 43-73). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • East, P.L., Reyes, B.T., & Horn, E.J. (2007). Association between adolescent pregnancy and a family history of teenage births. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 39, 108-115.