Maria Boccia

Maria Boccia is Professor of Child and Family Studies in the Department of Human Sciences and Design at Baylor University, part of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. She brings together biomedical research and clinical practice, with a focus on the neuroscience of attachment, maternal and sexual behavior, and family resilience. She has held faculty positions at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma Baptist University.

Research Interests: Dr. Boccia's research program investigates how early attachment relationships—and their disruption—affect social and emotional development. Her work integrates neurobiology with family science, focusing on the role of oxytocin in mediating the effects of early experiences such as parental divorce on adult attachment styles and socio-emotional functioning. She also explores the concept of attachment to God and its implications for faith-related health outcomes through neuroendocrine pathways. Another major strand of her research examines the impact of brain tumors on sexual and relational functioning in patients and their families, contributing to quality of life and survivorship research.

Scientific Awards and Professional Certifications:

• AASECT-certified sex therapist
• ABCST-certified sex therapist
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Texas and North Carolina)
• Texas MFT Supervisor
• American Association of MFT Clinical Supervisor
• Certified Christian Sex Therapist

Teaching and Clinical Practice: Dr. Boccia teaches courses including Introduction to Research, Theories of Family Development, Human Development and Family Studies, and Family Transitions, Stress, and Resilience. As a licensed therapist, she previously provided sex therapy services at the Center for Sexual Health and Education in Charlotte, NC, and continues to contribute to training master’s students in counseling.

Labs and Research Teams: While specific lab names are not mentioned, her research involves interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, family studies, and clinical therapy, particularly in studies linking neurobiology with family and faith-based experiences.