We study how violence in the family and in the community affects development across the life course. We also study why some children and adolescents are resilient to these forms of violence. We use data from nationally-representative, longitudinal studies to test the impact of exposure to violence in the community on mental health nearly two decades later. We also use data from a nationally representative study of young people who were reported to Child Protective Services for allegations of maltreatment to study why some children and adolescents are more resilient to maltreatment than others. In our recent work in Philadelphia, we will test whether policies designed to promote housing stability also reduce children’s and adolescents’ exposure to violence in their homes and communities.
Additional Areas of Focus
Understanding How Children and Families are Affected by Social Policies
We study the impact of social policy on child and family well-being, including health, academic outcomes, and parent-child relationships.
Understanding Intergenerational Transmission of Adversity
We study continuities and discontinuities in the intergenerational transmission of adversity, including poverty, child maltreatment, and mental health problems.
Reach Out to the Risk & Resilience Lab
We always enjoy hearing from individuals interested in our research, whether it be to learn more or to get involved!
