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, Social & Behavioral Sciences Institute
Recent Publications
Garthe, R. C., VanHook, C., Miller, H., & Hucke, K. (2026). Perceptions of Grant Writing, Implementation and Reporting Processes: Focus Groups with Violence Prevention Grantees. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work (United States). Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2026.2625868
Rieger, A., Watkins, D. N., & Garthe, R. C. (2026). Appreciating the Complexity of Local Gender-Based Violence Needs Assessments: Some Key Considerations and Tensions in Context. Violence Against Women, 32(1), 189-214. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241303472
Saxsma, M. G., & Garthe, R. C. (2026). The Role of Attachment Insecurity in the Intergenerational Transmission of Violence. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 19(1), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-025-00766-2
Cinque, A., Epperson, M., Garthe, R., Lee, H., & Sawh, L. (2025). Program outcomes in a light-touch prosecutor-led misdemeanor diversion program. Journal of Criminal Justice, 101, Article 102498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102498
Fedock, G., Garthe, R., Pliml, K., Malcome, M., & Sarantakos, S. (2025). Victimization and Mental Health Symptoms Among Recently Incarcerated Women: The Roles of Homelessness Prior to Incarceration and Community-Based Social Support. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 16(2), 365-391. https://doi.org/10.1086/726284