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: Adult-Supervised Drinking During Adolescence Predicts Alcohol Misuse in Adulthood

February 10, 2025
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. This brief describes results of a study that examined the relationship between parent-supervised drinking during adolescence and alcohol...

SDRG’s Director Margaret Kuklinski Reports on Our Activities in 2024

January 27, 2025
Margaret Kuklinski, PhD, has released a report outlining recent accomplishments in our four core areas. We are grateful for your support as we continue to pursue our mission of promoting healthy behaviors and positive social development among diverse populations using rigorous principles grounded in prevention science. You can read the report here: https://depts.washington.edu/sdrg/2025-annual-letter/

Research Reveals Prosocial Firearm Behaviors Among Rural Adolescents in Washington State

December 19, 2024
Firearm injury is now the leading cause of death of children and adolescents in the United States. This has fueled research agendas that seek to inform prevention efforts addressing this devastating public health crisis. However, most existing data about adolescent use of firearms has focused only on urban youth.  SDRG researchers have found that adolescents...

Co-Founder David Hawkins Gives Radio Overview of SDRG’s Social Development Strategy at Work

December 10, 2024
On November 26, 2024, SDRG Co-Founder Dr. J. David Hawkins, PhD, joined the radio program Voice of Vashon (Vashon Island, WA) to discuss the underlying theory of all our work at SDRG: the Social Development Strategy. The discussion includes research and strategies for preventing youth behavior problems, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to fostering positive development, and...

Many Rural Washington State Youth Engage in Socially Acceptable Firearm-Related Behaviors

November 5, 2024
A recent study from a project involving SDRG researchers found that adolescents living in rural Washington generally understand what constitutes acceptable firearm carrying behavior, and are typically engaging with firearms in prosocial ways like hunting, recreation, and sport. This study highlights rural adolescents’ focus on not only training but also safety when it comes to...