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Education:
- Ph.D. Human Development, Virginia Tech (1997)
Professional Memberships/Affiliations:
- Gerontological Society of America
- Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
- California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics
Scholarly Areas: Human development, gerontological health, social relationships
Biography: Dr. Paula Usita is Associate Professor of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences in the Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and a graduate certificate in gerontology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Her research has explored the role of social, cultural, and developmental factors on quality of life among minority and immigrant populations, family caregivers, and persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Current interests are in injury and violence prevention across the lifespan and intergenerational approaches to health promotion. Dr. Usita has used narrative qualitative methods in her studies. She teaches courses in public health & aging, current research in health behavior, and injury prevention.
Selected Publications:
- Usita, P.M. (2005) Social geography and continuity effects in immigrant women’s narratives of negative social exchanges. Journal of Aging Studies. 19: 221-239.
- Usita, P.M., and Du Bois, B.C. (2005) Conflict sources and responses in mother-daughter. Journal of Women & Aging. 17: 151-165.
- Usita, P.M., Hall, S. S., and Davis, J. C. (2004) Role Ambiguity in Family Caregiving. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 23: 20-39.
- Usita, P.M., and Poulsen, S. (2003) Interracial Relationships in Hawaii: Issues, Benefits, and Therapeutic Interventions. Journal of Couples Therapy. 2: 35-42.
- Usita, P.M., and Blieszner, R. (2002) Immigrant Family Strengths: Meeting Communication Challenges. Journal of Family Issues. 23: 266-286.
- Stanford, E.P., and Usita, P.M. (2002) Retirement: Who is At Risk?. Generations. 26: 45-48.
- Usita, P.M. (2002) Diversity Links: Diversity and Cultural Competence on the Web. Generations. 26: 72-73.
- Usita, P.M. (2002) Teaching about the Life Course Perspective: A Class Project. Educational Gerontology. 28: 89-98.
- Usita, P.M. (2001) Interdependency in Immigrant Mother-Daughter Relationships. Journal of Aging Studies. 15: 183-199.
- McAuley, W.J., and Usita, P.M. (1998) A Conceptual Model for the Mobility Patterns of Nursing Home Admissions. The Gerontologist. 38: 726-734.
- Usita, P.M. (1998) Evaluation of a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. 19: 65-77.
- Usita, P.M., Hyman, I.E., and Herman, K.C. (1998) Narrative Intentions: Listening to Life Stories in Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Aging Studies. 12: 185-197.
- Roberto, K.A., Usita, P.M., Weeks, L.E., and Wacker, R.R. (1997) Comparison of Bachelor's and Master's Degree Gerontology Programs: Alumni Characteristics, Employment, and Employer Assessment. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. 18: 77-89.
- Blieszner, R., Usita, P.M., and Mancini, J.A. (1996) Diversity and Dynamics in Late-Life Mother-Daughter Relationships. Journal of Women & Aging. 8: 5-24.
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