Sheree Toth

Dr. Sheree Toth is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on developmental psychopathology, particularly the effects of child maltreatment and parental depression on child development. She is committed to bridging research and clinical practice through randomized controlled trials of preventive interventions, funded by NIMH since 1991. Her work emphasizes understanding mechanisms linking adversity to psychopathology and developing evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Toth’s research addresses how maltreatment and negative caregiving impact child development, including aspects such as representational processes, emotion regulation, and mental health outcomes. Her studies also explore intergenerational transmission of trauma and the role of parenting interventions in mitigating risks. She has conducted longitudinal investigations into maltreated children and offspring of mothers with Major Depressive Disorders, contributing significantly to understanding adverse caregiving effects on development.

Her recent publications (2023-2025) highlight advancements in analyzing trauma resolution, dopaminergic moderation of maltreatment effects, and the role of peer relationships in symptomatology. Dr. Toth’s work spans clinical, translational, and policy-oriented research, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as foster care youth and economically disadvantaged families.