Biography

Katrina Debnam, holds a joint faculty appointment in the Curry School of Education & Human Development and the School of Nursing at UVA. Dr. Debnam holds a psychology degree from Morgan State University, a MPH from UNC Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of Maryland. Dr. Debnam has considerable expertise in research design, intervention implementation and fidelity, process and outcome evaluation, and data analysis and management within large school-based randomized controlled trials. As a researcher and scientist at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health for over 13 years, she honed an interest in mixed method research approaches to combatting adolescent dating abuse, promoting adolescent violence prevention, culturally responsive schools, school climate initiatives, and faith-based programs that aim to improve young people’s lives. 

Dr. Debnam is on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, chair of the Early Career Preventionists Network for the Society for Prevention Research, and reviews manuscripts for a host of journals, including Prevention Science, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and the Journal of Research on Adolescence. A member of the Maryland team that leads management, implementation and evaluation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in more than 800 public schools, she teaches a course on mixed methods research to both nursing and education students.

Announcement:

Dr. Debnam will be accepting a student for Fall 2020 in the PhD program.

Research Focus

Teen dating violence, youth violence prevention, school climate, spirituality

Teaching Focus

Mixed methods research, program evaluation, scholarly writing

Publications

Advance Online Publications

Shin, J., Gibson, J. S., Jones, R. A., & Debnam, K. J. (2024). Factors associated with anxiety in colorectal cancer survivors: A scoping review. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Advance online publication.

Journal Articles

Lindstrom-Johnson, S., Pas, E. T., Debnam, K. J., Kaihoi, C. A., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2023). Effects of an MTSS-B Intervention on Student and Staff Perceptions of School Climate: Findings from Two Group Randomized Trials. School Psychology Review, 2023, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2022.2142954

Debnam, K. J., Henderson, L., Aguayo, D., Reinke, W., & Herman, K. (2023). Nominated exemplar teacher perceptions of culturally responsive practices in the classroom. Teaching and Teacher Education, 125, 104062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104062

Elmore, C., Mitchell, E. M., Debnam, K., Keim-Malpass, J., Tanabe, K. O., & Hauck, F. R. (2022). Predictors of cervical cancer screening for refugee women attending an international family medicine clinic in the United States. Cancer Causes and Control, 33(10), 1295-1304. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-022-01612-8

Debnam, K. J., Edwards, K., Maeng, J., & Cornell, D. (2022). Educational leaders’ perceptions and uses of school climate data. Journal of School Leadership, 32(4), 362-383. https://doi.org/10.1177/10526846211001878

Debnam, K. J., Milam, A. J., & Finigan-Carr, N. (2022). Superwoman, racial identity, and teen dating violence victimization among young black women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(17-18), NP15970-NP15991. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211021984

Diaz Ramos, N., Alvarez, C., & Debnam, K. (2021). Teen dating violence and the acceptability of a safety-decision aid: Perspectives from Puerto Rican youth. Hispanic Health Care International, 19(3), 146-154. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540415320985588

Debnam, K. J., Milam, A., Bottiani, J., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2021). Teacher-student incongruence in perceptions of school equity: Associations with student perceived connectedness in middle and high school. Journal of School Health, 91(9), 706-713. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13062

Thomas, D. E., Bradshaw, C. P., Bottiani, J. H., McDaniel, H., & Debnam, K. J. (2021). Coping power in the city: Promoting coping in African American male students. Professional School Counseling, 25, 0. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X211040002

Debnam, K. J., Edwards, K., & Cornell, D. (2021). Improving the school environment: School staff perceptions of school climate data and reporting practices. Journal of Community Psychology, 49(6), 1965-1982. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22500

Laughon, K., Bloom, T., Amar, A. F., & Debnam, K. (2021). Conceptualizing an approach to secondary prevention of relationship violence among college students. Journal of American College Health, 69(7), 798-805. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1706535

Bradshaw, C. P., Pas, E. T., Debnam, K. J., & Johnson, S. L. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of MTSS-B in high schools: Improving classroom management to prevent EBDs. Remedial and Special Education, 42(1), 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932520966727

Debnam, K. J. & Temple, J. R. (2021). Dating matters and the future of teen dating violence prevention. Prevention Science, 22(2), 187-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01169-5

Debnam, K. J., & Mauer, V. (2021). Who, when, how, and why bystanders intervene in physical and emotional teen dating violence. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 22(1), 54-67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838018806505

Debnam, K. J., & Kumodzi, T. (2021). Adolescent perceptions of an interactive mobile application to respond to teen dating violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(13-14), 6828-6837. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518821455

Lindstrom Johnson, S., Alfonso, Y. N., Pas, E., Debnam, K., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2020). Scaling-up positive behavioral interventions and supports: Costs and their distribution across state, districts, and schools. School Psychology Review, 49(4), 399-414. https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2020.1777831

Bradshaw, C. P., Debnam, K. J., Player, D., Bowden, B., & Lindstrom Johnson, S. (2020). A mixed-methods approach for embedding cost analysis within fidelity assessment in school-based programs. Behavioral Disorders, 0, 0. https://doi.org/10.1177/0198742920944850

Howard, D. E., Debnam, K. J., Jones, C., Saboori, Z., Aiken, N., & O’Brien, S. A. (2020). Personal Religiosity and Adolescent Females’ Characterizations of Healthy Dating Dynamics. Children and Teenagers, 3(II), 11-35. https://doi.org/10.22158/ct.v3n2p11

Gaias, L. M., Lindstrom Johnson, S., Bottiani, J. H., Debnam, K. J., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2019). Examining teachers' classroom management profiles: Incorporating a focus on culturally responsive practice. Journal of School Psychology, 76, 124-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2019.07.017

Cash, A. H., Debnam, K. J., Waasdorp, T., Wahl, M., Bradshaw, C. P. (2019). Adult and student interactions in nonclassroom settings. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(1), 104-117. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000275

Pas, E., Johnson, S., Debnam, K., & Bradshaw, C. (2019). Examining the relative utility of fidelity of PBIS implementation scores in relation to student outcomes. Remedial and Special Education, 40(1), 6-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932518805192

Alvarez, C., Debnam, K., Clough, A., Alexander, K., & Glass, N. (2018). Responding to intimate partner violence: Healthcare providers’ current practices and views on integrating a safety decision aid into primary care settings. Research in Nursing & Health, 41(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.21853

Debnam, K. J., Saha, S., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2018). Synthetic and other drug use among high school students: The role of perceived prevalence, access, and harms. Substance Use and Misuse, 53(12), 2069-2076. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2018.1455699

Debnam, K., Lindstrom Johnson, S., Colome, S., Bran, J., & Upadhya, K. (2018). The impact of adolescent dating violence training for primary care providers. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 32(2), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2017.09.004

Bradshaw, C. P, Pas, E. T., Bottiani, J., Debnam, K. J., Reinke, W., Herman, K., & Rosenberg, M. (2018). Promoting cultural responsivity and student engagement through double check coaching of classroom teachers: An efficacy study. School Psychology Review, 47(2), 118-134. https://doi.org/10.17105/SPR-2017-0119.V47-2

Milam, A., Jones, C., Debnam, K., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2017). School environments and obesity: The mediating role of personal stress. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(VI), 715-726. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.21888

Ludin, S., Bottiani, J. H., Debnam, K., Solis, M. G. O., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2017). A cross-national comparison of risk factors for teen dating violence in Mexico and the United States. Journal of youth and adolescence, 47(III), 547-559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-017-0701-9

Howard, D. E., Debnam, K. J., & Strauss, A. (2017). “I’m a stalker and proud of it”: Adolescent girls’ perceptions of the mixed utilities associated with internet and social networking use in their dating relationships. Youth & Society, 49(3), 271-294. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118x17716948

Parker, E., Lindstrom Johnson, S., Milam, A., Debnam, K. J., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2017). Teen dating violence victimization among high school students: A multilevel analysis of school level risk factors. Journal of School Health, 87(IX), 696-704. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12538

Bottiani, J.H., Larson, K., Debnam, K., Bischoff, C., & Bradshaw, C.P. (2017). Promoting educators’ use of culturally responsive practices: A systematic review of in-service interventions. Journal of Teacher Education, 69(IV), 367-385. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487117722553

Debnam, K. J., Milam, A. J., Mullen, M. M., Lacey, K., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2017). The Moderating Role of Spirituality in the Association between Stress and Substance Use Among Adolescents: Differences by Gender. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(IV), 818-828. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-017-0687-3

Debnam, K. J., Waasdorp, T., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2016). Examining the contemporaneous occurrence of bullying and teen dating violence victimization. School Psychology Quarterly, 31(1), 76-90. https://doi.org/10.1037/spq0000124

Debnam, K. J., Milam, A., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2016). The role of stress and spirituality in adolescent substance use. Substance Use and Misuse, 51(6), 733-741. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2016.1155224

Debnam, K. J., Howard, D. E., Garza, M. A., & Green, K. M. (2016). African American girls’ ideal dating relationship now and in the future. Youth and Society, 0(0), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118x14535417

Parker, E. M., Debnam, K., Pas, E. T., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2016). Exploring the link between alcohol and marijuana use and teen dating violence victimization among high school students: The influence of school context. Health Education & Behavior, 43(5), 528-36. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198115605308

Phelan, E. A., Debnam, K. J., Anderson, L. A., & Owens, S. B. (2015). A systematic review of intervention studies to prevent hospitalizations of community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Medical Care, 53, 207-13. https://doi.org/10.1097/mlr.0000000000000294

Pas, E.T., Cash, A.H., O’Brennan, L., Debnam, K., & Bradshaw, C.P. (2015). Profiles of classroom behavior in high schools: Associations with teacher behavior management strategies and classroom composition. Journal of School Psychology, 53(1), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2014.12.005

Howard, D. E., Debnam, K. J., Cham, H., Czinn, A., Aiken, N., Jordan, J., & Goldman, R. (2015). The (mal) adaptive value of mid-adolescent dating relationship labels. Journal of Primary Prevention, 36(3), 187-203.

Debnam, K. J., Pas, E. T., *Bottiani, J., Cash, A., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2015). An examination of the association between observed and self-reported culturally responsive teaching practices. Psychology in the Schools, 52, 533-548. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21845

Bradshaw, C. P, Pas, E. T., Debnam, K. J., & Lindstrom Johnson, S. (2015). A Focus on Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in High Schools: Associations With Bullying and Other Indicators of School Disorder. School Psychology Review, 44(4), 480-498. https://doi.org/10.17105/spr-15-0105.1

Holt, Cheryl L., Clark, E. M., Debnam, K, & Roth, D. (2014). Religion and health in African Americans: The role of religious coping. American Journal of Health Behavior, 38, 190-199. https://doi.org/10.5993/ajhb.38.2.4

Holt, Cheryl L., Clark, E. M., Roth, D., & Debnam, K. (2014). Positive self-perceptions as a mediator of religious involvement and health behaviors in a national sample of African Americans. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37, 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9472-7

Debnam, K. J., Johnson, S. L., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2014). Examining the association between bullying and adolescent concerns about teen dating violence. Journal of School Health, 84, 421-428. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12170

Debnam, K. J., Johnson, S. L., Waasdorp, T., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2014). Equity, connection, and engagement in the school context to promote positive youth development. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 24, 447-459. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.12083

Debnam, K. J., Howard, D. E, & Garza, M. E. (2014). “If you don’t have honesty in a relationship, then there is no relationship”: African American girls’ characterization of healthy dating relationships, a qualitative study. Journal of Primary Prevention, 35, 397-407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-014-0362-3

Bradshaw, C.P., Waasdorp, T.E., Debnam, K.J., & Lindstrom Johnson, S. (2014). Measuring school climate: A focus on safety, engagement, and the environment. Journal of School Health, 84, 593-604. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12186

Bradshaw, C.P., Debnam, K.D., Lindstrom Johnson, S., Pas, E.T., Hershfeldt, P., Alexander, A., Barrett, S., & Leaf, P.J. (2014). Maryland’s evolving system of social, emotional, and behavioral interventions in the public schools: The maryland safe and supportive schools project. Adolescent Psychiatry, 4, 194-206. https://doi.org/10.2174/221067660403140912163120

Holt, C. L., Litaker, M., Scarinci, I. C., Debnam, K., McDavid, C., McNeal, S. F., Eloubeidi, M., Crowther, M., Bolland, J., & Martin, M. Y. (2013). Spiritually-based intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening among African Americans: Screening and theory-based outcomes from a randomized trial. Health Education & Behavior, 40, 458-468. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198112459651

Howard, D. E., Debnam, K. J., & Wang, M. Q. (2013). 10 year trends in physical dating violence victimization among U. S. adolescent females. Journal of School Health, 83, 389-399. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12042

Debnam, K. J., Pas, E., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2013). Factors influencing staff perceptions of administrator support for tier 2 and 3 interventions: A multilevel perspective. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 21, 116-126. https://doi.org/10.1177/1063426611410571

Lindstrom-Johnson, S., Waasdorp, T., Debnam, K. J., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2013). The role of bystander perceptions and school climate in influencing victims’ responses to bullying: To retaliate or seek support. Journal of Criminology, 0(0), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/780460

Debnam, K., Holt, Cheryl L., Clark, E. M., Roth, D., & Southward, P. L. (2012). Religious and general social support and health lifestyle behaviors in a national sample of African Americans. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 35, 179-189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-011-9338-4

Debnam, K., Holt, Cheryl L., Clark, E. M., Roth, D., Foushee, H. R., Crowther, M., Fouad, M., & Southward, P. L. (2012). Spiritual health locus of control and health behaviors in a national sample of African Americans. American Journal of Health Behavior, 36, 360-372. https://doi.org/10.5993/ajhb.36.3.7

Debnam, K. J., Pas, E., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2012). Secondary and tertiary support systems in schools implementing school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS): A descriptive analysis. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 14, 142-152. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300712436844

Bottiani, J. H.,* Bradshaw, C. P., Rosenberg, M. S., Hershfeldt, P. A., Pell, K. L., & Debnam, K. J. (2012). Applying Double Check to response to intervention: Culturally responsive practices for learning disabilities. Insight on Learning Disabilities: Prevailing Theories to Validated Practices, 9, 93-107. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21845

Howard, D. E., Debnam, K. J., Wang, M. Q., & Gilchrist, B. (2012). 10 year trends in physical dating violence victimization among U. S. adolescent males. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 32, 283-305. https://doi.org/10.2190/iq.32.4.c

Holt, C. L., Scarinci, I. C., Debnam, K., McDavid, C., Litaker, M., McNeal, S. F., Southward, V., Lee, C., Eloubeidi, M., Crowther, M., Bolland, J., & Martin, M. Y. (2012). Spiritually based intervention to increase colorectal cancer awareness among African Americans: Intermediate outcomes from a randomized trial. Journal of Health Communication, 17(1), 1028-1049. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2012.665418

Debnam, K. & Beck, K. H. (2011). Driving while Black: A comparison of the beliefs, concerns and behaviors of Black and White maryland drivers. Traffic Injury Prevention, 12, 599-603. https://doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2011.615354

Holt, C. L., Clark, E. M., Debnam, K., Williams, B., Schulz, E., & Wang, M. Q. (2010). Social and Religious Support in Physical and Emotional Functioning in a National Sample of African Americans. In Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 39(1), 216.

Holt, C. L., Wynn, T. A., Debnam, K., Litaker, M., Jeames, S., Schoenberger, Y., Southward, P.,& Simons, V. (2010). Cancer awareness in alternative settings: Lessons learned and evaluation of the barbershop men’s health project. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 4, 100-110.

Bradshaw, C. P., Debnam, K. J., Koth, C. W., & Leaf, P. J. (2009). Preliminary validation of the implementation phases inventory (IPI) for assessing fidelity of school-wide positive behavior supports. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 145-160.

Book Sections

Bottiani, J. H., Henderson Smith, L. J., Franco, M. D., Bradshaw, C. P., & Debnam, K. J. (2023). Triangulation of data: Using student, teacher, and parent data to improve school climate. In T. P. LaSalle (Ed.), Creating an inclusive school climate: A school psychology model for supporting marginalized students (pp. 231-255). Taylor & Francis Press

Ludin, S. & Debnam, K. J. (2023). Prevention in primary education: effective interventions for middle and high school students. In H. W. Wilson & C. Kham (Eds.), Facing Campus Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence With Courage: A Guide for Institutions and Clinicians on Prevention, Support, and Healing (pp. 23-38). American Psychiatric Association Publishing

Debnam, K. J., Bradshaw, C. P., Pas, E. H., & Lindstrom-Johnson, S. (2015). School as a unit of analysis in group randomized controlled trials. In K. Bosworth (Eds.), Prevention science in school settings: Complex relationships and processes (pp. 247-269). Springer