Welcome to SDRG

SDRG is a recognized leader in the field of prevention research. Our work is guided by the belief that many common behavior, health, and social problems can be prevented. For the past four decades, SDRG has studied the causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on what we have learned, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavior, health, and social problems. SDRG’s research has enriched lives, influenced policy, and strengthened communities across the United States and around the world.

Research
For the past four decades, SDRG has conducted studies that have helped researchers to better understand the causes of behavior, health, and social problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on this understanding, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavioral health problems.
Programs & Tools
For more than 40 years, SDRG has been working with communities, schools, and families to understand and improve the lives of young people. Below you'll find SDRG interventions that have demonstrated that a social development approach to prevention can reduce risk and enhance protection in the family, school, and community. The intervention materials are available to the public.
Data Collection Services
The Survey Research Division (SRD) provides high-quality survey research services, including survey design, a variety of data collection modes, and data processing.

News & Updates

SDRG Researchers to Present at SPR Conference in Washington, DC

May 14, 2026
A number of SDRG members will be presenting at this year’s annual meeting of the Society for Prevention Research this month. Please see our list of presentations for more information.

Research Brief: Raising Healthy Children Intervention: Long-Term Impacts on Suicide and Mental Health

May 11, 2026
A new research brief highlights important findings from the Seattle Social Development Project, showing that the universal childhood preventive intervention Raising Healthy Children has long-term effects in reducing suicide and related mental health problems in adulthood. The brief also highlights how SDRG continues to advance suicide prevention research through the SHIELD project, which brings together data from...

Newly Published Book

January 20, 2026
Congratulations to former SDRG director Kevin Haggerty and colleague J. Mark Eddy on the publication of this book. Eddy, J. M., & Haggerty, K. P. (Eds.). (2026). Handbook of professional youth mentoring: Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/9783032055798 This book examines professional youth mentoring, which is marked by enduring relationships throughout childhood and adolescence between youth and their adult...

Recently Published Article

December 30, 2025
We are pleased to announce the publication of this article featuring SDRG researchers Danielle Pandika , Martie Skinner, and Margaret Kuklinski. Pandika, D., Acolin, J., Martinez, G., Delawalla, M. L. M., Skinner, M. L., Morales, L. S., Oesterle, S., Kuklinski, M. R., & Guttmannova, K. (2025). A descriptive study of interpersonal discrimination experiences in US...

Recently Published Article

December 16, 2025
We are pleased to announce the publication of this article featuring SDRG researchers Martie Skinner and Kevin Haggerty. Morrison, K. M., Duckworth, J. C., Bumpus, M. F., Skinner, M. L., Cooper, B. R., Hill, L. G., & Haggerty, K. P. (2025). Associations between Greek affiliation, parental permissiveness toward heavy episodic drinking, and alcohol use among...