College of Education and Human Development

Family Social Science

Research Projects, Labs & Outreach

About our research

Family social science faculty are renowned researchers who use the knowledge and methods of the social sciences to conduct research and outreach in partnership with families, communities, and organizations to address psychological, cultural, social, and economic issues affecting families locally, nationally, and globally.

Faculty mentor undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate with them to examine families and their interactions with – and within – diverse environments and systems. 

Research areas

  • Child adjustment in family context
  • Families and culture
  • Families and financial decisions
  • Family formation and intergenerational studies
  • Families, loss, and trauma
  • Intimate family relationships

Dworkin TECH Lab

Faculty: Jodi Dworkin

This project is interested in gaining a better understanding of the ways in which—and the reasons why—parents use technology. Ongoing studies of technology use and parent story-gathering are featured.

Topics:

  • Technology and family development
  • Promoting positive family development
  • Strengthening families
  • Family education
  • Parenting adolescents and college students

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Parenting College Students

Faculty: Jodi Dworkin

This website provides comprehensive resources to parents of college students to support and empower successful transitions to college, increasing responsibility, and good decision-making skills.

Topics:

  • Technology and family development
  • Promoting positive family development
  • Strengthening families
  • Parenting adolescents and college students
  • Health and wellness
  • Alcohol use
  • Financial skills 

Visit Site