Rebecca Distefano

Rebecca Distefano is a researcher affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences at Roger Williams University. Her work focuses on developmental psychology, particularly executive function (EF) and school readiness in high-risk children, including those experiencing homelessness.

• Primary Affiliation: Roger Williams University (Arts and Sciences)
• Collaborative Institutions: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Sojourner Family Peace Center, Northern Pines Mental Health Center

Research Interests center on:

• Executive function development in preschoolers
• Autonomy-supportive parenting and its impact on child cognition
• Interventions for homeless and highly mobile children
• Psychometric validation of EF assessment tools
• Emotion regulation in high-risk contexts
• Longitudinal studies of EF and academic achievement

Her publications span 2017–2025, emphasizing EF interventions, psychophysiological measurement (e.g., heart rate variability), and resilience in adverse environments. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Minnesota highlight interdisciplinary approaches.

Key contributions include:

• The Ready? Set. Go! (RSG) school readiness program
• NIH Toolbox EF measure validations for preschoolers
• Qualitative studies on parenting in homeless families