Research Topic

Adolescence to Adulthood

Understanding how families, systems, and public policies impact the social, emotional, and cognitive development of adolescents and young adults is at the heart of much of CCFP’s work. Our researchers engage in longitudinal studies, partnerships with state and local agencies serving youth and their families, and develop and evaluate innovative programs and services to understand and support youth development.

Latest Research

Journal Articles

Rethinking and Reenvisioning Research Experiences for Undergraduate Black Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

This paper provides three recommendations for enhancing research experiences for Black undergraduate women: (a) rebuilding strategic mentoring and development opportunities; (b) rejuvenating institutional and community-engaged partnerships; and (c) restructuring student-driven experiences through an equity ethic lens.

learn more about Rethinking and Reenvisioning Research Experiences for Undergraduate Black Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Journal Articles

Prosocial Behavior and School Performance in the Transition to Adolescence: A Multicultural Study

This study explored the bidirectional longitudinal associations between prosocial behavior and school performance during adolescence in six countries (Colombia, Italy, Jordan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States).

learn more about Prosocial Behavior and School Performance in the Transition to Adolescence: A Multicultural Study
Journal Articles

Longitudinal Study of Adolescent-to-Young Adult Executive Function Development in Seven Countries

The present study assessed longitudinal trajectories of executive functioning from ages 10-21 in a diverse, international sample. 1,093 adolescents\from eight locations in seven countries completed computerized executive functioning tasks

learn more about Longitudinal Study of Adolescent-to-Young Adult Executive Function Development in Seven Countries
Journal Articles

Physical Activity and Two-Year Change in Adolescent Well-Being in Nine Countries

This study advances prior work by combining a partial longitudinal design with a multinational sample to assess the predictive effect of physical activity on biennial change in older adolescents’ well-being, while testing for sex differences.

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Jennifer Lansford

CCFP Director | S. Malcolm Gillis Distinguished Research Professor of Public Policy
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Kenneth Dodge

William McDougall Distinguished Professor of Public Policy Studies
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Beth Gifford

Research Professor
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Ann Skinner

Research Scientist
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Laura Gorla

Postdoctoral Associate
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Understanding How Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support During War Promote Resilience and Recovery

This study focuses on understanding how Ukrainian youth and young adults are navigating the challenges of war not only regarding their coping strategies and individual adjustment, but also in how they are developing meaningful relationships with peers, partners, and parents, and the ways in which they are seeking and receiving support.

learn more about Understanding How Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support During War Promote Resilience and Recovery
learn more about Understanding How Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support During War Promote Resilience and Recovery

Daily Diary Study of Youth Adjustment in the Russia-Ukraine War

This project will pilot a daily diary study of youth in Ukraine and Poland to develop a state-of-the art assessment tool for measuring within-person changes in coping and adjustment related to the war in Ukraine.

learn more about Daily Diary Study of Youth Adjustment in the Russia-Ukraine War
learn more about Daily Diary Study of Youth Adjustment in the Russia-Ukraine War

Megatrends and the Family

This project will produce research and policy reports on four megatrends identified by the United Nations related to families and (1) climate change, (2) technology, (3) migration and urbanization, and (4) demographic trends.

learn more about Megatrends and the Family
learn more about Megatrends and the Family

Risk and Resilience in Ukraine: Individual, Family, and Community Predictors of Adolescent and Young Adult Adjustment

This research project will collect data from youth enrolled in universities across Ukraine during the winter of 2023. Data will include changes in adjustment, wellbeing, and optimism, along with substance use. Data will provide insights into how best to support the mental health of young people during a global crisis.

learn more about Risk and Resilience in Ukraine: Individual, Family, and Community Predictors of Adolescent and Young Adult Adjustment
learn more about Risk and Resilience in Ukraine: Individual, Family, and Community Predictors of Adolescent and Young Adult Adjustment
May 5, 2025
Journal Articles

The Development of Prosocial Behavior from Late Childhood to Adolescence: A Longitudinal and Multicultural Study

The present study explored the longitudinal trajectory of prosocial behavior in the transition to adolescence (from ages 9 to 16) in a sample of 915 children across six countries (Colombia, Jordan, Italy, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States) by examining the role of Human Development Index (HDI) in relation to prosocial development.

learn more about The Development of Prosocial Behavior from Late Childhood to Adolescence: A Longitudinal and Multicultural Study
May 3, 2025
Journal Articles

Adversity in Childhood and Its Association with Caregiving of a Parent in Adulthood

Findings suggest that ACEs, particularly parental challenges, are associated with greater likelihood of caregiving responsibilities in adulthood showcasing how ACEs also influence social roles over the life course. Both ACEs and caregiving can have detrimental effects on health and well-being, and thus, this observed relationship is important for developing support for caregivers.

learn more about Adversity in Childhood and Its Association with Caregiving of a Parent in Adulthood
April 23, 2025
Journal Articles

Predictors of Young Adults’ Primal World Beliefs in Eight Countries

Primal world beliefs (“primals”) capture understanding of general characteristics of the world, such as whether the world is Good and Enticing. At age 22 years, original child participants reported their primal world beliefs. Parental warmth during childhood and adolescence significantly predicted Good, Safe, and Enticing world beliefs, but other experiences were only weakly related to primals.

learn more about Predictors of Young Adults’ Primal World Beliefs in Eight Countries