Human Development and Family Science

Dr. Anthony Ferraro and his research team conduct basic and applied research involving the intersection of process and context, exploring the roles of various family-level factors during periods of developmental and structural transition. Some current projects in this area include:

• Examining the impact of co-parenting dynamics across households for families that have recently experienced a divorce, nonmarital relationship dissolution, a change in custody arrangement, or change in child support within the past three years.
• Development and validation of multi-context/multi-dimensional assessment tools to measure co-parenting processes and relational sacrifice.
• Program evaluations of the Together We Can (TWC) and Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce (SCAD) programs; development of curriculum for the military adaptation of TWC and development of a childhood trauma module and related assessment tools for SCAD.
• Examining the impact of prior trauma (childhood trauma; combat-related trauma) on later life processes for veterans and active duty service members.

Research Faculty: Dr. Anthony Ferraro

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Ferraro at aferraro@k-state.edu.

Dr. Yelland and her team of students regularly develop, implement, and evaluate Extension and outreach curricula related to topics on health and wellness across the lifespan to promote optimal aging. Some current projects include:

• Opioid misuse prevention and education
• Equipping lay volunteers to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes in local Kansas communities
• Understanding the effects of a sensory aging experience on empathy, attitudes towards aging, and self-care behaviors
• Outreach and education on Alzheimer's disease, and research focusing specifically on the effects of probiotics on cognition

Research Faculty: Dr. Erin Yelland & Dr. Elaine Johannes

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Yelland at erinyelland@k-state.edu.

The HAART Lab is studying ways to promote healthy relationships in adolescence and beyond. We are specifically interested in:

• Examining healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood
• Exploring the co-parenting relationships young parents have with their parents and partners
• Developing and implementing healthy relationship programs
• Empowering youth and young adults to reach their full potential

Research Faculty: Dr. Michelle Toews & Dr. Kristin Anders

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Toews at mltoews@k-state.edu or 785-532-1552, or connect with them on Twitter @HAARRT_Lab.

Dr. Mindy Markham conducts research on relationships following divorce or separation. Some current projects include:

• Young Adult Relationships with Grandparents and Siblings Study, quantitative study investigating emerging adults' relationships with their grandparents and siblings both among adults whose parents have divorced and those who have been consistently married
• Divorced Military Family Relationships and Communication Study, mixed methods investigating relationships and communication between parents and children as well as co-parents within divorced military families
• Nonresidential Parent-Adolescent Relationship Study, qualitative study investigating relationships and communication between nonresidential parents and adolescent children following parental divorce

Research Faculty: Dr. Mindy Markham

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Markham at mmarkham@k-state.edu.

Dr. Yelland and her team of students engage in research to better understand sexual expression and consent issues in older adults, particularly among those who have dementia and reside in a long-term care facility. This research has immense implications for both public and long-term care facility policy and practice. Currently, her team is working to advance understanding and provide policy implications for Sexual Advance Directives.

Research Faculty: Dr. Erin Yelland

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Yelland at erinyelland@k-state.edu.

The SHARE Team conducts research related to unique experiences that influence sexual development and health during late adolescence and young adulthood. Some of the current projects we are interested in focus on:

• Understanding emerging adults' experiences of sexual violence in a variety of committed romantic relationships and casual sex relationships
• Examining sexuality differences based on various developmental experiences such as between emerging adults who attend college versus those who do not
• Studying the relationship between sexual beliefs/values, consent, and casual sex behaviors
• Taking an applied approach by using our research to inform sexual education and violence programming

Research Faculty: Dr. Kristin Anders & Dr. Michelle Toews

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Anders at kanders8@k-state.edu.

The work of this research group focuses on issues specific to undergraduate education and pedagogy in Human Development & Family Science. Current work includes a study exploring barriers and opportunities related to undergraduate student involvement in faculty research.

Research Faculty: Dr. Kari Morgan, Dr. Mindy Markham, & Dr. Michelle Toews

For More Information: Please contact Dr. Morgan at kmmorgan@k-state.edu.