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
December 4, 2023
On December 5, 2023, the National Institutes of Health will host a virtual festival to celebrate behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR). SDRG Director Margaret Kuklinski, PhD, will present during the session from 2:50 pm to 3:50 pm EDT. Dr. Kuklinski’s presentation is called Sometimes More is Better: Cost Effectiveness of Single- and Multi-Component Interventions...
November 27, 2023
The past few decades have seen remarkable advances in understanding how to improve lifelong development and prevent problem behaviors across neighborhoods and communities. The University of Washington Social Development Research Group (SDRG) is a pioneer in this research as well as in shaping and implementing prevention initiatives and coaching community coalitions. In this podcast series...
October 30, 2023
SDRG’s administrative core is pleased to announce that Victoria Zapata has joined the team as grants management coordinator. Please join us in welcoming Victoria to her new role. Victoria will be working with grants and human subjects manager Kristen Greenley to support grant submissions and provide backup for fiscal technician Lorrie Blake. Victoria worked in...
September 28, 2023
To mark the conclusion of her first two years as director of SDRG, Margaret Kuklinski, PhD, 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...
September 21, 2023
The UW Board of Regents recently approved the appointment of SDRG Director Margaret Kuklinski, PhD, as the School of Social Work’s endowed professor in prevention. The funds generated by the prevention endowment will give her the latitude to explore new ideas with the potential for significant impact in the field of prevention. Dr. Kuklinski’s interests...