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About Us

Directed by Dr. Gizem Erdem, our lab examines the role of close relationships in promotion of youth development and prevention of risk behavior. We explore relationships with peers, friends, romantic partners, and non-parental adult mentors in normative and high risk & adverse contexts. We are particularly interested in exploring the benefits of building strong and meaningful relationships for youth and the mechanisms at which such relational processes could promote positive youth development and mental well-being. We also explore ways to prevent substance misuse and delinquency.

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RESEARCH PROJECTS & PUBLICATIONS

OUR ARTICLES & REPORTS

What is the role of positive adult role models in lives of at-risk youth? How do we change attitudes towards at-risk youth? How do we use evidence-based family interventions to prevent recidivism?

Check out our recent articles to learn!

ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS

Our current research projects explore youth mentoring & its association of youth mental health, substance abuse stigma, and sibling relations in the context of alcoholism. We also have series of projects with youth involved in crime, and mental health of incarcerated youth and dissemination of evidence-based interventions for them.

THESIS PROJECTS IN OUR LAB

We also have projects with normative populations. Our grad students examine friendships, sexuality, well-being, and mate selection among emerging adults.

COMPLETED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Our completed projects focused on evidence-based assessment and interventions targeting adolescents involved in the criminal justice system and probation officers in Turkey. We also had projects with substance-abusing runaway and homeless youth as well as homeless families in the US.