Publications

Dr. Benavides’ research, teaching, and program development experiences are in early childhood education, positive youth development, civic engagement, and higher education access and retention. If you’re interested in learning more about her work in the fields of education and psychology, below are some of her selected publications and professional conference presentations.


Wray-Lake, L., Burkhard, G., Benavides, C., & Wilf, S. (2021). Youth civic engagement: Exploring micro and macro social processes. In A. Kostic & D. Chadee (Eds.), Positive Psychology: An International Perspective (pp. 152-176). Jon Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Benavides, C. M., Sidiqi, M.,  Ruiz-Mesa, K., & Ribera, D. (2022). Supporting first generation Latinx freshmen: The importance of university resources, faculty, and peers. Journal of Latinos and Education. doi: 10.1080/15348431.2022.2141748

Riches, B., Benavides, C. M., & Dubon, V. (2020). Development of a fostering purpose intervention. Evaluation and Program Planning, 83, 1-11.

Cotton Bronk, K., Baumsteiger, R., Mangan, S., Riches, B., Dubon, V., Benavides, C. M., & Bono, G. (2019). Fostering purpose among young adults: Effective online interventions. Journal of Character Education, 15(2), 21-38.

McCann, A. (2019, January). Best and worst states to raise a family – Feature by Celina Benavides. WalletHub.

Wray-Lake, L., Rote, W., Victorino, C., & Benavides, C. M. (2014). Examining developmental transitions in civic engagement across adolescence: Evidence from a national U.S. sample. International Journal of Developmental Science, 8(3-4), 95-104. doi: 10.3233/DEV-14142

Wray-Lake, L., Flanagan, C. A., Benavides, C. M., & Shubert, J. (2013). A mixed methods examination of adolescents’ reports of the values emphasized in their families. Social Development, 23, 573-592. doi: 10.1111/sode.12065

Benavides, C. & Lopez, A. (2011). Early Childhood Education for the 21st Century: Linking Research, Language, and Culture. Washington, DC: National Council of La Raza.

Benavides, C. & Lopez, A. (Eds.). (2011). NCLR Core Qualities for Successful Early Childhood Education Programs Tool Kit. Washington, DC: National Council of La Raza.

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