Research

The Peer Lab investigates and leverages the role of social relationships in adolescent and emerging adult mental health. We tackle questions about relationships and mental health through a range of projects aligned with two related research themes:

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1. The study of naturally-occurring relationship processes and mental health.

Through observational, longitudinal, and mixed-methods studies of peer, family, and romantic partner interactions, we seek to understand how healthy social interactions (particularly emotional support processes among peers) develop, as well as how interactions among close relationship partners shape mental health and well-being over time.

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2. Community-engaged prevention program development.

By partnering with youth, schools, and their surrounding communities, the Peer Lab develops and evaluates scalable programming that leverages how important peer relationships are in adolescence and emerging adulthood. For an example, check out The Connection Project, a peer-led belongingness intervention for high school and college students developed in collaboration with Dr. Joe Allen's team at the University of Virginia.

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