Positive Youth Development Lab
The central goal of the Positive Youth Development Lab is to learn how we can decrease risk and foster protective factors among children and adolescents in order to promote positive peer relations and healthy patterns of development over time.
One overarching question guiding our work is “How can we expand families’ access to evidence-based mental health services and resources?” Estimates suggest that approximately 2 in 5 youth will meet criteria for a mental health disorder by the age of 18, and rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation/behavior have been rising among children and adolescents in recent decades. The unfortunate reality is that many youth in need of services never receive them. To help address this gap, we are currently developing and evaluating novel approaches to prevention and intervention within schools and other community-based settings.
We are also focused on addressing problems of peer victimization and bullying. Countless research studies have shown that these experiences are harmful and can pose a serious risk for youth’s long-term adjustment. Thus, another question guiding our lab is “How can we meet the mental health needs of youth impacted by peer victimization and bullying?” We are currently investigating risk and protective factors and testing prevention and intervention approaches for these peer problems among children and adolescents.
For more information about our ongoing work, click here.
The Positive Youth Development Lab is very proud of our work within our local communities.
To date, we have provided for the following free mental health services:
266 hours of outpatient individual therapy for 15 children/adolescents
121 hours of school-based group therapy for 57 children
32 hours of virtual positive parenting seminars for 56 parents/caregivers
Evidence-based handouts for 320 parents/caregivers
TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH/FAMILIES SERVED = 448
TOTAL HOURS OF FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES = 419
In collaboration with the Suicide Risk and Prevention Research Laboratory at Texas Tech, we have also provided the following free trainings:
1-hour youth suicide risk assessment trainings for 83 pediatric health care & mental health care providers
3- to 7.5-hour youth suicide prevention trainings for 90 pediatric health care & mental health care providers