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Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Human Development and Family Studies Research

Research Labs Graduate Research Faculty

Explore HDFS Faculty Research

Faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies conduct basic and applied research related to the development of individuals and families across the lifespan, using a variety of methodological tools.

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Thematic Research Areas

We are guided by the principle that research should not only contribute to scientific knowledge but should also be translated into programs, policies, and applications that promote positive development for individuals, families, and communities. As such, across the department, our efforts are congruent with a growing focus in the field of prevention and intervention science.

Risk, Resilience, and Developmental Psychopathology

Faculty pursue research programs related to why at-risk individuals have favorable outcomes, processes related to developmental psychopathology and atypical development, the nature of risk-taking behaviors, and developmental disabilities.

Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention Science

Most faculty in HDFS are concerned with translational research: How to devise effective intervention and treatment strategies that are based on empirical evidence and careful program evaluations.

Emotion, Regulation, and Relational Processes

Socioemotional processes are a focus of HDFS faculty research as are various aspects of regulation including self-regulation and emotion regulation. Such processes are essential to school readiness and success.

Adult Development and Aging

Several faculty focus their research on emerging adulthood and development in midlife and the later part of the lifespan, as well as intergenerational family relationships.

Research Areas
  • Asset 109 $15,971,065 Current Grant Portfolio
  • Lightbulb Icon 53 Current Research Grants
  • Asset 106 $4,401,329 FY21 Annual Expenditures

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We value rigorous research and know the importance of scholarly excellence. Please help us keep our first-class research and academic programs thriving for generations to come.

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