Research Topic

Families and Parenting

Family relationships influence child development from infancy to adulthood. CCFP researchers examine how biological, cultural and familial processes, practices, and characteristics impact child and youth development both in the US and around the world. Our teams also develop programs and services and work to affect systems change to ensure that families and parents have the supports they need to provide safe, stable, nurturing relationships for their children.

Latest Research

Journal Articles

Theories of Parenting and Child Development in Different Cultural Contexts

This article highlights key developmental and family theories to explain how cultural contexts affect parenting and children’s development due to parental beliefs, behaviors, and universal children needs.

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Jennifer Lansford

CCFP Director | S. Malcolm Gillis Distinguished Research Professor of Public Policy
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Anna Gassman-Pines

WLF Bass Connections Professor of Public Policy & Psychology and Neuroscience
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Lisa Gennetian

Pritzker Professor of Early Learning Policy Studies | Professor of Public Policy
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Christina Gibson-Davis

Professor of Public Policy and Sociology
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Marcos Rangel

Associate Professor of Public Policy and Economics
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Ann Skinner

Research Scientist
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Drew Rothenberg

Research Scientist
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Jennifer Godwin

Research Scientist
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Helen Milojevich

Research Scientist
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Laura Gorla

Postdoctoral Associate
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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.

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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.

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

Positive Parenting App Study

Project Description This study of the postive parenting app tests the feasibility and effectiveness of a mobile-based app intervention designed to enhance home visiting by providing in-the-moment parenting tips with the goal of increasing healthy parent-child interactions leading to resiliency in high-risk children. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) profoundly influence brain and behavioral development and long-term…

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learn more about Positive Parenting App Study

Durham Navigation Study

The Durham Navigation Study is a randomized control trial to evaluate the impact of Community Navigation on outcomes for young children and their families.

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learn more about Durham Navigation Study
July 10, 2025
Journal Articles

Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Access and Outcomes in a Community-Based Parenting Intervention for At-Risk Families

This study describes the implementation of the Incredible Years Toddler Basic parenting intervention, highlighting strategies to recruit, retain, and engage a predominantly Hispanic, at-risk population while addressing participation barriers.

learn more about Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Access and Outcomes in a Community-Based Parenting Intervention for At-Risk Families
June 3, 2025
Journal Articles

Where Did You Hear About Us?: Examining How Referral Sources Impact Recruitment and Retention Within a Behavioral Parent Training Program

Findings emphasize the role of community and healthcare providers, word‐of‐mouth, and Google and the benefits of telehealth (indicated by post‐COVID‐19 results), in improving treatment access and retention, highlighting the need for flexible service delivery methods.

learn more about Where Did You Hear About Us?: Examining How Referral Sources Impact Recruitment and Retention Within a Behavioral Parent Training Program