Research Areas

The Center conducts research and develops programs to improve the health and well-being of adolescents, with a special emphasis on projects that involve the parents of adolescents. Current projects are summarized in eight major research areas:

Parent-Adolescent Communication
Helping primary caregivers develop better parenting and communication skills

Sexual Health & Risk Reduction
Promoting the health and well-being of adolescent and reducing risky behaviors

Depression and Mental Health
Examining issues affecting the mental health and well being of children and their families

Community Violence and Terrorism Examining how violence and terrorism affect stress and related behaviors in children and their families

Health Effects of After-School Activities
Assessing the effectiveness of after-school programs and the relationship between community resources for youth and their health and risk behaviors

Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity
Investigating issues affecting children's physical activity, sleep, weight and eating behaviors

Substance Use
Studying the issues affecting adolescents' use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs and strategies to prevent abuse

Quality of Health Care
Reviewing disparities in preventive health care quality