About Our Research

Here in the Determinants of Child Development Lab we explore how children's early social, emotional, and cognitive development is shaped by multiple factors such as perinatal influences, genetics, family environment, socioeconomic conditions, and broader social, cultural, and political contexts. Ultimately, our research aims to explore the risk factors and processes associated with children's developmental trajectories in order to arrive at a better understanding of how best to advance programs and policies that promote healthy child development. This comprehensive research program encompasses six key areas that we believe are critical to strengthening research and practice in the field of child development psychology: 1) theory; 2) methods; 3) student training; 4) knowledge translation; 5) clinical practice; and 6) policy and program development. Using a variety of methodological approaches (e.g., observational research, randomized control studies, retrospective studies, meta-analysis) and engagement with theoretical models in child development research, our research aims to contribute to empirical research that explores the multifold determinants of children's health and development. We believe strongly in the importance of training students to undertake rigorous research in child development research; hence, we are actively engaged in identifying and recruiting promising graduate students and post-doc scholars with an interest in clinical psychology and children's health and development. Another important element of our research endeavour is the translation of our research findings for multiple audiences, including the research community, clinicians, health and social service agencies, and the general public. These knowledge translation efforts will ensure that findings from our studies will reach various communities in a timely manner and provide individuals, families, practitioners, and researchers with information they can use in helping them to understand issues related to child development. Lastly, in recognizing the need for policy to be informed by evidence-based research, we aim to contribute to public policy and to sustain dialogue with relevant agencies, practitioners, and program planners dedicated to improving children's health.

For more information on the Research Program Overview, click here.