Research
Dr. Bonacquisti's research focuses broadly on reproductive health psychology. Currently,
Dr. Bonacquisti investigates mental health outcomes that occur in the context of reproductive
functioning, with an emphasis on psychological responses to adverse reproductive events
and reproductive trauma (e.g., infant admission to a neonatal intensive care unit
(NICU), infertility, pregnancy loss). She also studies the development and evaluation
of innovative treatments for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and reproductive
loss, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Previously, Dr. Bonacquisti's
research has addressed other sexual and reproductive health psychology topics such
as HIV risk reduction behaviors, the experience of HIV diagnosis during pregnancy
and postpartum, and the psychological effects of intimate partner violence.
As of 2024, Dr. Bonacquisti has authored thirteen peer-reviewed publications and seven
book chapters. She has delivered over 90 conference presentations at local and national
conferences. She also regularly provides invited lectures, workshops and presentations
addressing her research within the local community as well as regional and national
venues.
Dr. Bonacquisti enjoys research collaboration and mentoring students in research endeavors,
and she welcomes students as part of her research team.
Publications
Bonacquisti, A., Woodworth, E.C., Diaz, M. & Grunberg, V.A. (2022). Acceptance-based
process variables on postpartum well-being and distress: the mediating role of psychological
flexibility [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Clinical Psychology,
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Grunberg, V.A., Geller, P.A., Durham, K., Bonacquisti, A., & Barkin, J. (2022). Development
of “Motherhood and Me (Mom-Me):” An evidence-based group to enhance maternal functioning
among women with postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms. Journal of Clinical Medicine,
11(9), 2345. doi: 10.3390/jcm11092345
DiSanza, C.B., Geller, P.A., Bonacquisti, A., Posmontier, B., Horowitz, J.A. & Chiarello,
L.C. (2020). A stepped care model of patient navigation to enhance engagement with
perinatal mental health care. Health Equity, 4(1), 484-488. doi: 10.1089/heq.2020.0077
Bonacquisti, A., Geller, P.A., & Patterson, C.A. (2020). Maternal depression, anxiety,
stress, and maternal-infant attachment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Journal
of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. doi: 10.1080/02646838.2019.1695041
Grunberg, V.A., Geller, P.A., Bonacquisti, A., & Patterson, C.A. (2019). NICU infant
health severity and family outcomes: a systematic review of assessments and findings
in psychosocial research. Journal of Perinatology, 39(2), 156-172. doi: 10.1038/s41372-018-0282-9
Geller, P.A., Posmontier, B.P., Horowitz, J.A., Bonacquisti, A., & Chiarello, L.C.
(2018). Introducing Mother Baby Connections: A model of intensive perinatal mental
health outpatient programming. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 41(5), 600-613. doi:
10.1007/s10865-018-9974-z
Bonacquisti, A., Cohen, M.J., & Schiller, C.E. (2017). Acceptance and commitment therapy
for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: Development of an inpatient group intervention.
Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 20(5), 645-654. doi: 10.1007/s00737-017-0735-8
Geller, P.A., Bonacquisti, A., Barber, J., & Yeakel, L.H. (2017). Increasing racially
and ethnically underrepresented women in medical school through an innovative program.
International Journal of Medical Education, 8, 187-189. doi: 10.5116/ijme.5918.b789
Aaron, E., Bonacquisti, A., Geller, P.A. & Polansky, M.P. (2015). Perinatal depression
and anxiety in women with and without HIV infection. Women’s Health Issues, 25(5),
579-585. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2015.04.003
Bonacquisti, A., Geller, P.A. & Aaron, E. (2014). Rates and predictors of prenatal
depression in women living with and without HIV. AIDS Care, 26(1), 100-106. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2013.802277
Bonacquisti, A., & Geller, P.A. (2013). Condom-use intentions and the influence of
partner-related barriers among women at risk for HIV. Journal of Clinical Nursing,
22(23-34), 3328-3336. doi: 10.1111/jocn.12101
Aaron, E., Criniti, S.M., Bonacquisti, A., Geller, P.A. (2013). Providing sensitive
care for adult HIV-infected women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Journal
of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 24(4), 355-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2013.03.004
Aaron, E., Bonacquisti, A., Mathew, L., Alleyne, G., Bamford, L., & Culhane, J.F.
(2012). Small for gestational age births in pregnant women with HIV, due to severity
of HIV disease, not antiretroviral therapy. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and
Gynecology. 2012, doi: 10.1155/2012/135030
Psaros, C., Geller, P. A., Sciscione, A. C. & Bonacquisti, A. (2010). Screening practices
for postpartum depression among various health care providers. Journal of Reproductive
Medicine, 55(11-12), 477-484