Penn State Human Development and Family Studies

06/02/2026

In a new Q&A, Greg Fosco, professor of human development and family studies, explains what research says about how to parent teens while having fun and supporting their healthy development.

"Schedule fun things to do with your child, even if for only 15 minutes every week. Stopping to have fun matters.”

Read more: https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/qa-what-do-teenagers-need-their-parents?utm_account=Penn+State+Human+Development+and+Family+Studies&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1780414740&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

05/29/2026

For those seeking clinical care for mental health and wellness concerns, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Penn State offers individual and group therapy, as well as crisis intervention. Clinical services cover a wide variety of concerns, including managing stress, building resilience, and navigating life’s challenges.

The Student Affairs Office offers a variety of supports and resources for current students, addressing mental health, physical health, wellness, and basic needs.

05/28/2026

How do early family experiences influence lifelong development?

Penn State researchers are continuing to explore how parenting impacts children long term through impactful work on child stress regulation and development. Sy-Miin Chow, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, collaborated on a recent study that found harsh parenting behaviors may interfere with healthy stress regulation in young children.

The research reflects the important role HDFS faculty play in advancing evidence-based insights that support children, families, and communities.

As toddlers age into the preschool years, their dependency on their parents usually begins to ebb. However, a new study led by Penn State researchers has revealed that physically or psychologically aggressive parenting, such as spanking or shouting, can disrupt this pattern to the detriment of both....

05/27/2026

New research confirms that physical activity and mood have a reciprocal relationship: moving more improves mood and increases feelings of energy, and improved mood and energy leads to higher rates of physical activity.

The paper focused on data from 67 datasets around the world, comprised of over 8,000 individuals who provided smartphone-based mood ratings and accelerometer-measured physical activity.

The study was co-authored by Lynn Martire, professor of human development and family studies and faculty affiliate in the Center for Healthy Aging.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-026-02427-2

05/26/2026

Try a technique: Reflect on a memory 💓

A favorite technique of Blake Colaianne's is to focus on a memory that brings back a sense of peace, joy, and comfort, helping him feel more connected to his emotions and people that he loves.

Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at Penn State

05/22/2026

The Nature and Art Rx 🎨 program at Penn State provides opportunities and events designed to engage in artistic and natural spaces, including museums and galleries, performance spaces, and outdoor spaces. Community events include yoga and meditation, nature journaling, and bird walks.

The Student Affairs Office offers a variety of supports and resources for current students, addressing mental health, physical health, wellness, and basic needs.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Molly Countermine, who was awarded an Opportunity Grant Award from Penn State to develop "The Penn State Story Lab: Storytelling to Support Community, Compassion, and Change." 👏

She will be working with collaborators at Olin College and internationally acclaimed storyteller Donald Davis to develop the Story Lab. Countermine is a teaching professor of human development and family studies.

05/19/2026

Try a technique: ID your senses 🌷

By tapping into our senses, we can embed mindfulness into our daily lives and surroundings.

Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at Penn State

05/18/2026

Meet Jessie 👋, who graduated last week (congrats!) with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.

Her senior year, Jessie has worked as a research assistant in the Family, Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Development Lab, where she coded state-level policy bills and helped organize and verify interview transcripts related to projects focused on family processes 👨‍👩‍👧 and LGBTQ+ policies.

“My HDFS coursework introduced me to theoretical frameworks, such as family systems theory and minority stress perspectives, which helped me better understand the research conducted in the lab. And Dr. Tornello has been a very supportive mentor by providing guidance throughout my research experience and encouraging me to develop my research skills.”

“My experience in a lab allowed me to connect what I learned in the classroom with real research projects and see how research can contribute to understanding and supporting families.”

At Penn State, Jessie also worked as a library assistant at Pattee and Paterno Library 📚, where she had the chance to interact with people from across the University community.

05/15/2026

The Life Hacks program at Penn State teaches everyday tools, designed for the realities of student life. These in-person or self-guided programs highlight wellness in diverse areas of life, including anxiety management, body image concerns, cross-cultural connection, and positive self-talk and confidence.

The Student Affairs Office offers a variety of supports and resources for current students, addressing mental health, physical health, wellness, and basic needs.