Rachel Okamoto
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
PhD Student, Graduate Research Assistant
First year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Sciences Program
Barrow Hall
115 DW Brooks Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. | Marriage, Family, and Human Development | Brigham Young University | 2023 |
| B.S. | Elementary Education | Brigham Young University | 2021 |
Prior Professional Positions
| Organization | Title | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | Graduate Research Assistant | 2021-2023 |
Awards
| Award Name | Awarded By | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Minute Thesis University Finalist | Brigham Young University | 2023 |
| Merlin and Edna Sant Endowed Scholarship | Brigham Young University | 2021-2023 |
Service
| Organization | Title | Year(s) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFS Graduate Student Organization | Evaluation Coordinator | 2023-Present | Leadership |
Advisory Committee
Major Advisor - Dr. Catherine Walker O'Neal
Current Research
My research mainly focuses on the interaction of finances with family and couple processes. Specifically, I look at financial socialization and the wellbeing outcomes associated for emerging adults. I also examine ways in which finances connect with romantic relationship factors (i.e., communication, resilience, power, etc.)
Publications
Okamoto, R. M., Saxey, M. T., Wikle, J. S., & LeBaron-Black, A. B. (2023). Confident Commitment: Financial Self-Efficacy’s Indirect Association with Romantic Relationship Flourishing Through Financial Behaviors. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 1-10.
LeBaron-Black, A. B., Yorgason, J. B., Curran, M. A., Saxey, M. T., & Okamoto, R. M. (2022). The ABC-X’s of Stress among US Emerging Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Relationship Quality, Financial Distress, and Mental Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13125.
LeBaron-Black, A. B., Li, X., Okamoto, R. M., Saxey, M. T., & Driggs, T. M. (2022). Finances and Fate: Parent Financial Socialization, Locus of Control, and Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood. Emerging Adulthood, 10(6), 1484-1496.