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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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: