SFU Adolescent Health Lab
Adolescence is a time of change…
It is a remarkable developmental period in which children are transformed neurobiologically, cognitively and interpersonally as they prepare for adult roles and relationships. The confluence of these diverse changes makes adolescence a “sensitive” developmental period, where vulnerability increases but opportunities for growth are also heightened. In our lab we are interested in factors that increase risk and provide protection during pre-adolescence and adolescent development.
Our work integrates research on both normative and atypical developmental trajectories with the goal of understanding how we can support healthy development and intervene during critical transitions to reduce risk. Over the past decade we have focused on understanding risk and protective factors among adolescent girls and boys at high risk for violence and victimization.
Our eight-year longitudinal study with these teens has produced important findings on the complexity of their mental health needs, the social contexts that place them at risk and the personal and relational factors that buffer them from adversity.
We are strongly committed to knowledge translation, and the development of evidence based interventions to prevent and reduce risk. Together with community partners in mental health and education, we have developed, delivered and evaluated programs that provide important benefits to youth and their families and cost saving measures to society.
The Adolescent Health Lab and the Connect Team are committed to tailoring Connect Attachment Programs to the needs of diverse and underserved communities in the spirit of inclusion, respect and equity. We aim to develop collaborative relationships of mutual learning and respect as we grow together with the communities we strive to serve.
We respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories Simon Fraser University's three campuses reside.
Connect is well-supported by research evidence and is rated as a Level 1 intervention.
For more information on this rating by California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, please click here
Current Research and Projects
In our lab we are interested in factors that increase risk and provide protection during pre-adolescence and adolescent development. Our work integrates research on both normative and atypical developmental trajectories with the goal of understanding...
People
The Adolescent Health Lab at Simon Fraser University is led by Dr. Marlene Moretti Ph.D., R. Psych, along with her post-doctoral fellow, graduate students and research assistants.
Connect Attachment Program
is an evidence-based 10-week manualized group program for parents and alternate caregivers of pre-teens and teens who struggle with significant behaviour problems and mental health issues. Co-developed over the last 10 years by the Maples...
Announcements
Congratulations to professor Dr. Marlene Moretti on receiving the 2022 Pickering Award for Outstanding Contributions to Developmental Psychology in Canada!
This award was created to honour Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to developmental psychology in the areas of leadership, mentorship, and scholarship. Recipients in the past five years include Robert Coplan (2020), Diane Poulin-Dubois (2019), Jenny Jenkins (2018), and Janet Werker (2017).
Announcements
