Research

I have several research interests. My primary research interests focus on identifying the characteristics of youth emotional and behavioral problems. Specifically, I am interested in the psychosocial risks for problem behaviours, including but not limited to sexual offending and other assaultive behaviour. In addition, based on my clinical experience with youth who commit crimes and their families, I am interested in studying the common occurrence of abuse, conflict, and neglect within these families. In particular, I am interested in understanding the impact of childhood sexual experiences and the development of youth problem behaviours from early family difficulties. Finally, I am interested in normative development, including but not limited to general family interaction patterns, adolescent sexual development, and parent-child sexual communication. Consistent with a contextual/systemic perspective, my research examines the complex and multiple relationships between youth and the broader contexts in which they are embedded (e.g., family, peer, school, neighborhood). The overarching goal is for my research to directly influence prevention and treatment services with often underrepresented and underserved populations.