Adolescence
Adolescent development faculty in human development and family studies pursue programs of research that span the transition into adolescence through emerging adulthood. Their work cuts across all areas of the department, including family relationships, prevention, and methodology, and utilizes a range of methods, including surveys, diaries, interviews, and observations.
Research topics include community-based violence prevention in adolescents; heavy alcohol use among college students; gender, ethnicity, and sexual behavior among college students; links between parenting practice and adolescent dieting and eating problems; the development of sexual orientation; and family relationships and adolescent gender socialization.