Rick Kosterman
My early academic work was in the field of political psychology, focusing on political attitudes, influence, and intergroup relations. I long had an intent and desire, however, to do applied research that could have timely utility for solving real-world problems. The work of SDRG strongly resonated with me, especially the foundational idea that the most effective and efficient way to address nearly any problem is to prevent it from taking hold in the first place. This idea has complemented my earlier interests to inspire an ongoing inquiry into social environments and interventions to promote healthy development and positive functioning in our collective community.
Education:
- BS, University of Washington, Seattle
- PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
Professional Interests:
- Social development and health
- Positive functioning and prosocial behavior
- Intergroup relations and attitudes
- Preventive intervention and evaluation
Key Publications:
- Kosterman, R., Epstein, M., Halvorson, M. A., Rhew, I. C., Danzo, S., Satchell, A. K., & Pandika, D. M. (2026). Developmental associations of racialized experiences and attitudes in the 20s with health status approaching midlife. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
- Epstein, M., Kosterman, R., & Catalano, R. F. (2023). The potential for prevention science in middle and late adulthood: A commentary on the special issue of Prevention Science. Prevention Science, 24(5), 808–816.
- Kosterman, R., Epstein, M., Bailey, J. A., & Hawkins, J. D. (2022). Is e-cigarette use associated with better health and functioning among smokers approaching midlife? Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 234(1), 109395.
- Kosterman, R., Hawkins, J. D., Bailey, J. A., Catalano, R. F., Abbott, R. D., & Hill, K. G. (2019). Effects of social development intervention in childhood on adult life at ages 30 to 39. Prevention Science, 20(7), 986-995.
- Kosterman, R., Mason, W. A., Haggerty, K. P., Hawkins, J. D., Spoth, R., & Redmond, C. (2011). Positive childhood experiences and positive adult functioning: Prosocial continuity and the role of adolescent substance use. Journal of Adolescent Health, 49(2), 180-186.
Quote that Drives Me:
The future is inside us. It’s not somewhere else.
–Thom Yorke