Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Cathryn Booth-LaForce, Ph.D.

Professor of Family and Child Nursing
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
ibcb@u.washington.edu
206-543-8074
University of Washington, Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195-7920

Dr. Booth-LaForce's primary research interest is the social-emotional development of children. In longitudinal projects that follow children from infancy to middle childhood, she investigates early experiences in various contexts to examine how these experiences affect children's development. Her research includes a project aimed at determining how family factors influence children's friendships and social-emotional adjustment during the transition to middle and high school.

Booth-LaForce is also leading longitudinal studies investigating the effect of early child care on development in children with and without disabilities. One of these studies is part of a 10-site national study involving 1200 families nationwide. In these studies she and her colleagues are using an ecological model to examine the effects of various aspects of child care on children's cognition, language, socio-emotional development, and health. In addition, Booth-LaForce is investigating the mediating role of maternal mental-state talk in the link between early attachment security and subsequent friendship competence.

Cathryn Booth-LaForce's web page

CHDD Outlook article

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu