Prevention and Health Behavior
Current Research
Division faculty conduct both basic research and applied research, which includes interventions to prevent tobacco and substance use among adolescents.
The Division's basic research studies seek to understand the behavioral causes of disease and destructive activities. Faculty members analyze a variety of background, psychological, social, and environmental variables to better understand which might predict or prevent problem behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, violence, and delinquency.
The Division also conducts primary prevention intervention studies relating to tobacco, alcohol, drug abuse, and violence prevention in schools and community settings. These programs are designed to enhance self-image and self-esteem, to teach a variety of personal and social skills, and to teach positive ways to cope with anxiety and stress.
Research support has been provided by a variety of organizations, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Division faculty have collaborated with colleagues from several institutions, including Columbia University School of Social Work, Columbia University's Teachers College, and the American Health Foundation.
