USING CULTURALLY-RELEVANT THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS, THE STRENGTHS, ASSETS, & RESILIENCE (STAR) LAB EXPLORES THE WAYS IN WHICH FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES INFLUENCE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH.

RESEARCH THEMES

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

 

Although adolescence is a time of increasing autonomy, parent-adolescent relationships can have important implications for youths’ transition into adolescence and into emerging adulthood. Current lab interests include: 1) parenting in the context of adolescence; 2) fathers’ parenting experiences and involvement; and 3) dyadic relationships.

RACIALIZED CONTEXTS AND CULTURAL PROCESSES

Race- and culturally-specific experiences have been associated with the development of African American adolescents. Using risk and resilience models, we examine how these experiences (e.g., racial discrimination) can influence parent and adolescent well-being. Cultural protective factors (e.g., ethnic-racial socialization) are of particular interest.

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY INFLUENCES

 

There are multiple factors that can contribute to the successful development of youth. The lab has a specific interest in understanding how school and community contexts are associated with adolescents’ adjustment (school; psychological). We are particularly interested in understanding how youths’ community engagement impacts positive adjustment.

GENDER & DEVELOPMENT

 

Gender has been suggested as an important context for understanding adolescent experiences and subsequent outcomes. Current research directions of the StAR lab include: 1) highlighting gender variation in risk, promotive and protective factors and 2) illuminating within group variation in African American girls’ social experiences and well-being.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE StAR LAB?

Families