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

CTC Spotlighted at European Society for Prevention Research Conference

October 28, 2024
Members of SDRG’s Center for Communities that Care participated in the European Society for Prevention Research’s annual meeting in Cremona, Italy, during the week of September 9, 2024. The conference theme was “Prevention In and With Communities,” a perfect fit for the work of Communities That Care (CTC). Dr. Margaret Kuklinski and Dr. Nicole Eisenberg...

Substance Use Prevention Month: Telling the Prevention Story

October 21, 2024
In October, SAMHSA celebrates Substance Use Prevention Month! and they are Telling the Prevention Story. Prevention Month lifts up the national conversation — to showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country. To Tell Your Story During Prevention Month:

New Research Brief on Vaping From Washington’s Prevention Research Collaborative

October 14, 2024
The Washington State Prevention Research Collaborative recently published a research brief on vaping among adolescents. If you have ever wondered how vaping became so popular among young people and why so many kids (1 out of 7 in the United States) try vaping, the brief will shed a lot of light on what we now...

The Power of Prevention: A New Research Brief From Washington’s Prevention Research Collaborative

October 3, 2024
Let’s shine a light on the critical issues of youth substance misuse and mental health. While prevention efforts since 1975 have reduced overall youth substance use, we’re now seeing troubling trends. Vaping has surged in popularity since 2017, posing risks to both mental and physical health and leading to a greater likelihood of future substance...

SDRG Article Spotlighted by NIH

September 9, 2024
A recent article from the Guiding Good Choices for Health study has been featured on the NIH research website: New Study Reports High Rates of Anxiety and Depression in 11- to 13-Year-Olds During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study reports high rates of anxiety and suicidal ideation, as well as increased depression during the COVID-19 pandemic...