Deaths in the family can shape kids' educational attainment in unexpected ways
Deaths of family members may trigger ripple effects across family networks, reverberating in the lives of children in complex and, sometimes, unexpected ways.
In a study, the researchers found that deaths in the family can affect the educational attainment of children. That impact most often is…
Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse seeks applications for seed grant program
The Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse (CCSA), part of the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Penn State, has announced an invitation for Level 2 pilot research projects aimed at addressing issues related to substance use and…
Learning about health from trusted sources may help teens battle depression
Depression can be a common problem for teens and adolescents, and while many treatments exist, they don’t always work for everyone. A new study found that feeling more informed about their health may help teens take better care of themselves, leading to less depressive symptoms.
The researchers…
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness Recognized as a Critical Resource
The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State was recently recognized by a review published by the Journal of Youth Development (JYD) as a critical resource for youth-serving professionals.
According to the review, the Clearinghouse delivers “a trusted, easy-to-navigate source of…
Global Programs Annual Report 2020 now available
The Global Penn State annual report for 2020 is available as a digital flipbook {https://issuu.com/psuglobal/docs/penn_state_global_2020_annual_report} and is a window into the global activities of Penn State. While we recognize the global engagement of Penn State faculty,…
Adverse childhood and combat experiences may drive veterans' suicidal thoughts
The rate of suicide among post-9/11 military veterans has been rising for nearly a decade. While there are a number of factors associated with suicide, veterans have unique experiences that may contribute to them thinking about killing themselves.
“Compared to their civilian peers, veterans are…
Penn State tied for first nationally in NSF rankings reflecting research breadth
Penn State’s research enterprise ranks first nationally, tied with Johns Hopkins University, in the breadth and depth of its expertise, according to the latest National Science Foundation rankings of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) research expenditures by key…
Et tu, Brute? Teens may be more likely to be bullied by social-climbing friends
Adolescents and teens may be more likely to be bullied by their friends — and friends-of-friends — than classmates they don’t know as well, according to a new study.
Diane Felmlee, distinguished professor of sociology and demography at Penn State and researcher on the paper, said the findings give…
Why Social Science? - Because We Have a World of Knowledge the World Needs to Know
By Jeff Martin, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, American Anthropological Association
“At its core, Anthropology is about a simple idea—that the world is a better place if people understand one another,” wrote Alec Barker, past president of the American Anthropological Association. “…
When COVID-19 hits home: Understanding the fight with fear
When the first U.S. case of COVID-19 due to community spread was diagnosed in late February 2020, it set off a rapid series of events. As cases surged, many states issued stay-at-home orders, and schools and childcare centers shut down. With such rapid, widespread disruption, it’s no wonder that…
Employees and students reminded of tools to help avoid 'Zoom-bombing'
Penn State students, faculty and staff are reminded that numerous tools are available to help avoid “Zoom-bombing” — a type of online harassment where an individual hijacks a video conference to wreak havoc, such as using the screen-sharing function to show offensive or malicious content, or…
Penn State research impacts the world
Providing multiple examples of what differentiates Penn State from peer institutions and how access to world-class researchers impacts the lives of Penn State students, Lora Weiss, senior vice president for Research, presented an overview of the University’s research enterprise today (Feb. 18)…
Helping Congress get the most from research
In a new study, Penn State researchers demonstrated that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions in rapid response processes can influence both how legislators think about policy issues and how they draft legislation.
Penn State professors Max Crowley, associate professor of human…
Data4Action Project featured in HHD magazine
Penn State's College of Health and Human Development features the Data 4 Action project in the latest edition of its annual magazine. SSRI, along with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, are providing support for the project. Read the article…
Research brief ties increased income from Marcellus Shale natural gas development to youth obesity rates
The Marcellus Shale natural gas development increased income for families in several rural Pennsylvania counties. In the U.S., children in families with more income typically have lower rates of obesity. But, despite the sudden influx of income to the communities around the Marcellus Shale, rates…
COSSA Webchat & Deep Dive on Biden's First Weeks
Missed last week’s COSSA Headlines webchat? You can watch the recording and view the slides to catch up on COSSA’s recap of the most important social and behavioral science news from the past month and a deep dive discussion with the COSSA team as they discuss the eventful first weeks of the…
New online course engages middle, high-school students in ‘The Science of COVID-19’
With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting so many aspects of their lives, it is perhaps more important than ever for middle- and high-school students to understand how scientific knowledge is created and how this knowledge is translated into policy. A new and freely available online course created…
Data 4 Action Project Update
The Centre County COVID-19 Data 4 Action Research Project is continuing to study the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in Centre County. After adult community members took an online survey about the impacts of the pandemic , they were presented with an opportunity to take part in follow-up…
Data Science Community announces spring 2021 talks
The Penn State Data Science Community will host a slate of speakers during the spring 2021 semester. Each topic will focus on the use of data science techniques to investigate a particular subject. Topics for the spring include social media use, additive manufacturing, the exploration of genetics…
Team Science Toolbox offers evidence-based techniques for common team issues
Where can a leader turn when their teams are not functioning as well as they should? How can a team be built for success? How can teams develop unity when they’re built with diversity in mind? How do scientists from different disciplines get on the same page when their vocabularies may sound the…
Study looking to recruit parents of young children
Penn State researchers are now actively recruiting parents with a child under six years of age and an infant or about to have their second child for an online focus group.
Researchers are studying how couples work together when adding a second child to the family. Couples will be compensated for…
Two Penn State researchers contribute to fight against human trafficking
Two Penn State researchers are contributing to the fight against human trafficking, acting as leaders and speakers at the First Annual Regional Human Trafficking Summit For Advocates Against Human Trafficking, taking place on Feb. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Glenn Sterner, assistant professor of…
Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse seeks co-funded faculty position candidates
The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) has announced an invitation for applications from departments across the Penn State system for a co-funded faculty position as part of the Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse (CCSA).
Addressing one of the University’s aims in its…
Podcast’s new series explains impact of COVID-19 to our society and institutions
The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast, from Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute, asks the question: How can academia and government work together to tackle our country’s biggest problems?
In its newest series, aptly titled “The Pandemic Perspective,” the Evidence-to-Impact…
Support of military families essential to military personnel readiness
Report co-authored by Penn State faculty member recently cited in the National Defense Authorization Act
Supporting the well-being of military families is essential to ensuring the readiness of military personnel, according to a report co-authored by a Penn State faculty member which was recently…