Research Interests
Dr. Garthe’s research examines the etiology, consequences, and prevention of youth violence, primarily among youth living in urban, low-income communities. Her research examines these topics from a developmental-ecological perspective, seeking to understand the developmental, relational, contextual, and structural/systemic factors associated with violence. Additionally, she researches dating violence and intimate partner violence, specifically looking at how definitions and responses to violence can more inclusive and accessible to historically marginalized populations (e.g., racial and ethnic minority youth, transgender populations, justice-involved women). Through this research, she has focused on guiding violence prevention efforts for youth and adults. Dr. Garthe has led and contributed to numerous research projects examining the development, implementation, and evaluation of school, family, and community-based violence prevention programs.
Education
Prevention Science, The University of Chicago
Developmental Psychology, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University
Developmental Psychology, M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University
Additional Campus Affiliations
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
Coordinator, Undergraduate Research, School of Social Work
Affiliate, Center for Social & Behavioral Science
Recent Publications
Garthe, R. C., Gorman-Smith, D., Kim, S., Yoon, S., Mwima, S., & Cosey-Gay, F. N. (2025). Promotive Factors Within Neighborhood, Family, and School Contexts for Adolescents Living in an Urban, High-Burden Community. Youth and Society, 57(4), 615-643. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X241282348
Garthe, R. C., Iverson, M., Epinger, E., Smith, D. C., Powell, T., & Mahoney, M. (2025). Strategies and Lessons Learned From Providing Training and Technical Assistance Support to Gun Violence Prevention Grantees. Health Promotion Practice, Article 15248399251341848. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399251341848
Hereth, J. E., Kennedy, A. C., Garthe, R. C., Durand, B., Morein, L., Lunger, L., De Smet, L. E., Thornton, L. E., Blackburn, A. M., & Saba, J. (Accepted/In press). Using the Life History Calendar to Examine Victimization, Mental Health, and Seeking and Attaining Help Among Transgender Women: An Example of a Culturally Relevant Adaptation. Journal of interpersonal violence. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605241308832
Malcome, M. L., Garthe, R. C., Gorman-Smith, D., & Schoeny, M. (2025). Depression and the Neighborhood Experience of Black and Latine Adults. Families in Society, 106(1), 116-134. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894231222585
Rieger, A., Campbell, J., & Garthe, R. (2025). Connecting to Community: Violence Prevention Barriers, Geography, and Preventionist Perceptions of Community Leadership and Opportunities. Health Promotion Practice, 26(3), 475-485. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399231222468