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.
The Center for Communities That CareThe Center for CTC promotes healthy youth development through high-quality implementation of effective interventions developed through SDRG’s research. Our team of prevention specialists provides high-quality training and technical assistance in support of our proven programs.
News & Updates
September 30, 2025
With colleagues from Europe, they hosted a CTC international meeting with over 20 attendees from 11 countries; presented a CTC symposium focused on getting started; and participated in a campfire” (roundtable) session about CTC in Europe.
September 25, 2025
Washington’s cannabis market has evolved rapidly since legalization, with ongoing expansion in the number of retail stores, declining prices, increasing product potency, and proliferation in the number and types of cannabis products available. The long-term implications of these market changes on health-risking patterns of cannabis use remain unclear. New funding obtained from the National Institute...
September 23, 2025
We are pleased to announce the publication of this article featuring SDRG researchers Kristi Morrison, Nicole Eisenberg, Dalene Beaulieu, John Briney, Kevin Haggerty, Hannah Scheuer, and Margaret Kuklinski. Morrison, K. M., Eisenberg, N., Lyons, V. H., Sterling, S. A., Beck, A., Braciszewski, J. M., Beaulieu, D., Boggs, J., Briney, J. S., Danzo, S., Haggerty, K....
September 18, 2025
A new research brief in collaboration with Washington State Prevention Research Collaborative highlights how positive childhood experiences can boost healthy development, buffer against adversity, and even shape outcomes across generations. The brief provides strategies for how practitioners and policymakers can foster positive childhood experiences to help children, families, and communities thrive. The Prevention Research Committee...
September 16, 2025
We are pleased to announce the publication of this article featuring SDRG researchers Max Halvorson, Marina Epstein, Karryn Satchell, Alyssa Paulette, and Margaret Kuklinski. Halvorson, M. A., Epstein, M., Satchell, A. K., Paulette, A., Oesterle, S., & Kuklinski, M. R. (2025). Links between young adults’ reasons for trying electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), smoking history,...