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 23, 2023
A number of SDRG members will be presenting at this year’s annual meeting of the Society for Prevention Research. Please see our list of presentations for more information.

SDRG Director Margaret Kuklinski Invited to Lecture at National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: May 25, 2023: 9:00 to 10:15 p.m. PDT

May 11, 2023
SDRG is pleased to announce that Director Margaret Kuklinski, PhD, has been invited to present a lecture on May 25, 2023, at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (an arm of the National Institutes of Health). The lecture is titled “Unleashing the Power of Prevention to Enhance Well-being Across the Lifespan.” It will...

SDRG Researcher Vivian Lyons Suggests Strategies for Addressing Interconnected Harms of Youth Detention and Firearm Injuries

May 5, 2023
SDRG Research Scientist, Vivian Lyons, PHD, recently published a commentary in JAMA Network Open with her Allies in Healthier Systems for Health & Abundance in Youth (AHSHAY) colleague Benjamin Danielson, MD. The commentary is entitled “Upstream Strategies, Alternatives to Detention, and System Transformation to Address Interconnected Harms of Youth Detention and Firearm Injuries.” Looking at a...

SDRG Research Brief: Communities That Care Reduces Rural Adolescent Handgun Carrying

April 6, 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. This brief summarizes an exciting article about the potential of the Communities That Care prevention system for reducing...

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...