My lab focuses on issues of "risk and resilience" in children and adolescents and cuts across the areas of "mental health" and "physical health." Specifically, we investigate the impact stressors (such as peer victimization, exposure to disasters, and management of chronic disease conditions) on child and adolescent mental health (e.g., symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD) as well as physical health (e.g., somatic symptoms, insomnia, health-risk behaviors). We also develop preventive interventions for youth exposed to traumatic events (e.g., Youth Strong) or who experience peer victimization (e.g., UTalk). Our current emphasis is on developing and disseminating preventive-intervention materials like Youth Strong using social media and other technology platforms. We are also developing a Before the Storm version of the After the Storm manual to aid in disaster preparedness.
