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
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 extends recent research and highlights high rates of internalizing problems and suicidal ideation, as well as increased...
July 30, 2024
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 discusses positive outcomes of the Connecting program, an intervention with youth in foster care and their...
July 9, 2024
SDRG’s Jennifer Bailey comments on Tacoma Summer Late Nights, a safe place for teens to hang out. See this news story for more information: https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/to-curb-gun-violence-tacoma-offers-teens-a-safe-place-to-hang-out
June 18, 2024
Communities that Care (CTC) was recently mentioned in a Freakonomics Radio series shedding light on promising efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Keith Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry and an Addiction Researcher at Stanford University, brought up CTC and SDRG’s work demonstrating the potential for evidence-based strategies and community engagement in tackling complex societal challenges through...
June 3, 2024
On June 20, 2024, the Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) is offering a webinar on starting a prevention coalition based on a culture of participation and primed for long-term success. The presenter is Prevention Strategist Capetra Parker, MPH, from the Center for Communities That Care. New and established coalitions will find this webinar helpful....