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 Research Brief: Pathways to Young Adult Homelessness in Western Nations: Risk Factors in the Teen Years

March 21, 2023
The Social Development Research Group (SDRG) periodically highlights our publications through a Research Brief. Our goal for this series is to share important research findings and draw attention to the outstanding work being done by SDRG researchers. The study discussed this brief looks at risk factors for homelessness amongst young adult participants in the International...

Do you work with families affected by Opioid Use Disorder?

March 6, 2023
In families where a parent or caregiver suffers from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), children are at increased risk for trauma and a number of poor developmental outcomes. If you work with families with a caregiver in OUD recovery and children age 0–14, please read this one-page fact sheet about the Northwest Center for Family Support....

Staff Spotlight: Glenna Wolf

February 14, 2023
To help our friends and followers get a better understanding of our operations, SDRG is beginning a series of intermittent posts highlighting staff members. We’re starting the series with Research Coordinator Glenna Wolf. A resident of Bothell, WA, Glenna loves the Northwest because it reminds her of the northern part of her home state of...

SDRG Researcher Vivian Lyons Links Climate Change and Firearm Violence

January 9, 2023
“We saw a really consistent relationship between temperature and a higher risk of shootings. When we are aware that firearm violence is more likely to happen on hotter days, regardless of the season, it can help inform violence prevention efforts.” Between 2015 and 2020, nearly 8,000 shootings were attributable to unseasonably warm temperatures, according to...

Survey Research Division to Collect Best Starts for Kids Data

December 19, 2022
SDRG’s Survey Research Division was recently selected to conduct data collection using the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey in King County, Washington. The survey is part of the Best Starts for Kids Initiative, intended to put every child and youth in the county on a path towards lifelong success. Originally approved by voters in...