The Adolescent and Family Research Lab at UMass Amherst is directed by Dr. Sally Powers.  Research in the lab explores a range of topics, many within the field of developmental psychopathology.  

Recent projects have explored adolescent depression, adolescent-parent relationships, opposite-sex relationships in late adolescent/emerging adulthood couples, and married opposite-sex couples.  Many projects use a bio-psychosocial framework (neuroendocrine correlates) when framing questions regarding the development of psychopathology, close relationships, and how individuals within dyads resolve conflict.

We are very interested in translational and interdisciplinary science and have collaborations across departments at UMass including work with faculty in Social Psychology (GEM Project), Developmental Science, and Neuroscience & Behavior.

Thanks for visiting our website and we look forward to hearing from you!

CURRENT PROJECTS

Coming soon

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PUBLICATIONS

Bertone-Johnson, E. R., Powers, S. I., Spangler, L., Brunner, R. L.,  Michael, Y. L., Larson, J. C., Millen, A., Bueche, M. N., Salmoirago-Blotcher, E., Liu, S., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., Ockene, J. K., Ockene, I., & Manson, J. E.  (2012). Vitamin D and risk of depression in the Women’s Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D Trial, American Journal of Epidemiology.

Bertone-Johnson, E. R., Powers, S. I., Spangler, L., Brunner, R. L.,  Michael, Y. L., Larson, J. C., Millen, A., Bueche, M. N., Salmoirago-Blotcher, E., Liu, S., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., Ockene, J. K., Ockene, I., & Manson, J. E.  (2012). Vitamin D intake from foods and supplements and depression in a diverse population of older women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 

Kreher, D. A., Powers, S. I., & Granger, D. A. (2012). The interaction between endogenous cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase predicts implicit cognitive bias in young women. Behavioral Neuroscience.

Garrod, A., Smulyan, L., Powers, S., & Kilkenny, R.  (2011).  Adolescent portraits: Cases in identity, relationships, and challenges (7th ed.).  Needham, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

IOM (Institute of Medicine) and NRC (National Research Council). (2011). Toward an integrated science of research on families: Workshop Report. Committee on Science of Research on Families.  Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Powers, S. I. (2011). Genes, hormones, and family behavior: Is adolescence a unique phase? In A. Booth, S. McHale, & N. Landsdale (eds.) Biosocial foundations of family processes.  New York: Springer, 105 – 113.

Powers, S. I., Battle, C. L., Dorta, K., & Welsh, D. P.  (2010). Adolescents’ submission and conflict behaviors with mothers predict current and future internalizing problems. Research in Human Development, 7 (4), 257-273.

Powers, S. I. (2010). Introduction to special issue. Research in Human Development.

Powers, S. I. (Ed.) (2010). Development, psychopathology, and resilience: A tribute to Stuart T. Hauser. Research in Human Development, 7 (4), 239-321.

Hayes, U., Balaban, S. F., Perry-Jenkins, M., Smith, J., & Powers, S. I.  (2010). Role of pelvic sensory signaling during delivery on postpartum mental health.  Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 28, 307 — 323.

Gunlicks-Stoessel, M. & Powers, S. I. (2009).  Romantic partners’ coping strategies and patterns of cortisol reactivity and recovery in response to relationship conflict. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 18 (4), 621-642.

Smith, A. & Powers, S. I.  (2009).  Off-time pubertal timing predicts physiological reactivity to post-puberty interpersonal stress. Journal of Research in Adolescence, 19, 441 – 458.

Gunlicks-Stoessel, M. & Powers, S. I.  (2008). Adolescents' emotional experiences of mother-adolescent conflict predict internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Journal of Research in Adolescence18, 621-642.

Laurent, H. & Powers, S. I. (2007).  Emotion regulation in late adolescent couples: Temperament, attachment, and HPA reactivity. Biological Psychology6, 61-71. 

Garrod, A., Smulyan, L., Powers, S., & Kilkenny, R.  (2007). Adolescent portraits: Cases in identity, relationships, and challenges (6th ed.), 336 pages.  Needham, MA: Allyn & Bacon. (with instructor's manual)

Kaiser, H., & Powers, S. I. (2006). Testosterone and conflict tactics within late adolescent couples: A dyadic predictive model.  Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 23, 231-248.

Laurent, H., & Powers, S. I. (2006). Social-cognitive predictors of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal reactivity to interpersonal conflict in late adolescent couples.  Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 23 (5), 703-720.

Pietromonaco, P. R., Feldman Barrett, L., & Powers, S. I. (2006).  Adult attachment theory and affective reactivity and regulation.  In  J. Simpson, D. Snyder, & J. Hughes (Eds.) Emotion regulation in families:  Pathways to dysfunction and health, 57-74.  Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. 

Powers, S. I., Gunlicks, M., Laurent, H., Balaban, S., Bent, E., & Sayer, A. (2006). Differential effects of subtypes of trauma symptoms on couples' hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity and recovery in response to interpersonal stress.  Annals of New York Academy of Science, 1071, 430-433.

Powers, S. I., Pietromonaco, P., Gunlicks, M., & Sayer, A. (2006).  Dating couples' attachment styles and patterns of cortisol reactivity and recovery in response to a relationship conflict. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90 (4), 613-628.

Powers, S. I., & McArdle, E. T. (2003).  Coping strategies moderate the relation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity to self-injurious behavior.  Annals of New York Academy of Science, 1008, 285-289.

Goldstein, R. B., Bigelow, C., McCusker, J., Lewis, B. F., Mundt, K. A., & Powers, S. I. (2001).  Antisocial behavioral syndromes and return to drug use following residential relapse prevention/health education treatment.  American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 27, 453-482.

Powers, S. I., & Welsh, D. P.  (1999).  Mother-daughter interactions and adolescent girls' depression. In M. Cox & J. Brooks-Gunn (Eds.), Conflict and closeness: The formation, functioning and stability of families.  Mahwah, N. J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., pp. 243-281.

Goldstein, R. B., Powers, S. I., McCusker, J., Lewis, B. F., Bigelow, C., & Mundt, K. A. (1998) Antisocial behavioral syndromes among residential drug abuse treatment clients.  Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 49, 201-216.  Erratum: (1999). 53, 171-187.

Kawaguchi, M.C., Welsh, D.P., Powers, S.I., & Rostosky, S. (1998).  Mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters: Temperament, gender, and adolescent-parent relationships. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 44, 77-96.

Welsh, D.P., Galliher, R., & Powers, S.I, (1998). Divergent realities and perceived inequalities: Adolescents, mothers and observers perceptions of family interactions and adolescent psychological functioning.  Journal of Adolescent Research, 13, 377-402.

Goldstein, R. B., Powers, S. I., McCusker, J., Lewis, B. F., Mundt, K. A., & Bigelow, C.  (1996).  Lack of remorse in antisocial personality disorder among drug abusers in residential treatment.  Journal of Personality Disorders. 10, 321-334.

Goldstein, R. B., Powers, S. I., McCusker, J., Mundt, K. A., Lewis, B. F., & Bigelow, C.  (1996).  Gender differences in manifestations of antisocial personality disorder among residential drug abuse treatment clients.  Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 41, 31-45.

Powers, S. I., & Welsh, D. P.  (1996) Die Anwendung mikroanalytischer Methoden zur Untersuchung der zugrundeliegenden Prozesse von makroanalytischen Befunden: Ein Beispielfamilialer Prozesse.  In W. Edelstein, K. Kreppner, & D. Sturzbecher (Eds.), Familie und Kindheit im Wandel.  Baden-Baden:  Nomos Verlag.

Powers, S. I., & Welsh, D. P.  (1996).  Using microanalytic techniques to study processes underlying macroanalytic findings: An example of family processes and adolescent internalizing symptoms.  In W. Edelstein (Ed.), Changing families and childhood.  Potsdam, Germany:  Potsdam University.

Powers, S. I., Welsh, D. P., & Wright, V.  (1994).  Adolescent's affective experience of family behaviors: The role of subjective understanding.   Journal of Research in Adolescence, 4, 585-599.

Lam, M., Powers, S. I., Noam, G., Hauser, S. T., & Jacobson, A. M.  (1993).  Parental moral stage and adolescent moral development.  In J. Demick (Ed.), Parental development.  Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Hauser, S. T., Borman, E. H., Jacobson, A. M., Powers, S. I., & Noam, G. G.  (1991).  Understanding family contexts of adolescent coping: A study of parental ego development and adolescent coping strategies.  Journal of Early Adolescence, 11, 96-124.

Hauser, S. T., Houlihan, J., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., Weiss-Perry, B., Follansbee, D., & Book, B. K.  (1991).  Adolescent ego development within the family: Family styles and family sequences.  International Journal of Behavioral Development, 14, 165-193.

Hauser, S. T. with Powers, S. I. & Noam, G. G.  (1991).  Adolescents and their families: Paths of ego development.  New York: Free Press.

Welsh, D. P., & Powers, S. I.  (1991). Gender differences in parent‑child interactions.  In R. Lerner, A. Petersen, & J. Brooks‑Gunn (Eds.), The encyclopedia of adolescence.  New York: Garland Publishing.

Beardslee, W. R., Powers, S. I., Hauser, S. T., Houlihan, J., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., & Hopfenbeck, J.  (1990).  The development of adaptive processes: The influence of time and severe psychiatric illness.  Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29, 429-439.

Hauser, S. T., Borman, E., Bowlds, M. K., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., & Knoebber, K.  (1990).  Understanding coping within adolescence: Ego development trajectories and coping styles.  In A. L. Greene, E. M. Cummings, & K. Karraker (Eds.), Life-span developmental psychology: Perspectives on stress and coping.  Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Hauser, S. T., Borman, E. H., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., & Noam, G. G.  (1990).  Paths of ego development: Links with family life and individual adjustment.  Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 13, 489-510.

Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., Bowlds, M. K., & Noam, G. G.  (1990).  Ego development trajectories and family interaction.  In B. K. Barber & B. C. Rollins (Eds.), Parent-adolescent relationships.  Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Noam, G. G., Powers, S. I., Kilkenney, R., & Beedy, J. P.  (1990).  The interpersonal self in life-span developmental perspective.  In P. B. Baltes, D. L. Featherman, & R. Lerner (Eds.), Life span development and behavior (Vol. 10). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Isberg, R. S., Hauser, S. T., Jacobson, A. M., Powers, S. I., & Noam, G. G., Weiss‑Perry, B., & Follansbee, D.  (1989).  Parental contexts of adolescent self-esteem: A developmental perspective.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 18, 1‑23.

Leaper, C., Hauser, S. T., Kreman, A., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., Weiss-Perry, B., & Follansbee, D.  (1989).  Adolescent-parent interactions in relation to adolescents' gender and ego development pathways: A longitudinal study.  Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 335‑361.

Powers, S. I.  (1989).  Theory and assessment in family psychology: Weak links.  Journal of Family Psychology, 3, 222-228.

Powers, S. I.  (1989).  Family systems throughout the lifespan: Family constellations of development, meaning, and behavior.  In K. Kreppner & R. Lerner (Eds.), Family systems and life-span development.  Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Powers, S. I., Hauser, S. T., & Kilner, L.  (1989).  Adolescent mental health.  American Psychologist, 44, 200-215.

Powers, S. I.  (1988).  Moral judgment development in the family.  Journal of Moral Education, 17, 209‑219.

Hauser, S. T., Book, B. K., Houlihan, J., Powers, S. I., Weiss‑Perry, B., Follansbee, D., Jacobson, A. M., & Noam, G. G.  (1987).  Sex differences within the family: Studies of adolescent and parent family interactions.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 16, 199-220.

Hauser, S. T., Houlihan, J., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., Weiss, B., & Follansbee, D.  (1987).  Interaction sequences in families of psychiatrically hospitalized and other adolescents.  Psychiatry, 50, 308-319.

Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., Bowlds, M. K., & Noam, G. G.  (1987).  Family interiors and adolescent ego development.  Family Perspectives, 21, 263‑282.

Beardslee, W. R., Jacobson, A. M., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., Powers, S. I., Houlihan, J., & Rider, E.  (1986).  An approach to evaluating adolescent adaptive processes: Validity of an interview-based measure.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 15, 355-375.

Jacobson, A. M., Beardslee, W. R., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., Powers, S. I., Houlihan, J., & Rider, E.  (1986).  Evaluating ego defense mechanisms using clinical interviews: An empirical study of early adolescent diabetic and psychiatric patients.  Journal of Adolescence, 9, 303‑319.

Jacobson, A. M., Beardslee, W. R., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., Powers, S. I.  (1986).  An approach to evaluating ego defense mechanisms using clinical interviews.  In G. E. Vaillant (Ed.), Empirical studies of ego mechanisms of defense (pp. 48-59).  Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.

Beardslee, W. R., Jacobson, A. M., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., & Powers, S. I.  (1985).  An approach to evaluating adolescent adaptive processes: Scale development and reliability.  Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 24, 637-642.

Hauser, S. T., Leiberman, W., Houlihan, J., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., Weiss, B., & Follansbee, D.  (1985).  Family contexts of pubertal timing.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 14, 317-337.

Hauser, S. T., Weiss, B., Follansbee, D., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., & Noam, G. G.  (1985).  Adolescent development and family transactions.  In S. Sugarman (Ed.), Family therapy and individual therapy: Critical issues at the interface.  Rockville, MD: Aspen Publishers, Inc.

Powers, S. I., Dill, D., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., & Jacobson, A. M.  (1985).  Coping strategies of families with seriously ill adolescents.  Journal of Early Adolescents, 5, 101-113.

Hauser, S. T., Liebman, W., Houlihan, J., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., Weiss, B. & Follansbee, D. (1985). Familial contexts of pubertal timing. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 14, 317-337.

Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., Noam, G. G., Jacobson, A. M., Weiss, B., & Follansbee, D. J.  (1984).  Familial contexts of adolescent development.  Child Development, 55, 195-213.

Jacobson, A. M., Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., & Noam, G. G.  (1984). The influences of chronic illness and ego development level on self‑esteem in diabetic and psychiatric patients.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 11, 489-507.

Noam, G. G., Hauser, S. T., Santostefano, S., Garrison, W., Jacobson, A. M., Powers, S. I., & Mead, M.  (1984).  Ego development and psychopathology: A study of hospitalized adolescents.  Child Development, 55, 184-194.

Powers, S. I., Dill, D., Hauser, S. T., Noam, G. G., & Jacobson, A. M.  (1984).  The coping strategies and psychological resources of seriously ill adolescents.  Proceedings of the National Council of Family Relations Pre-conference Workshop on Family Systems and Health: Focus on Prevention.  St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota.

Hauser, S. T., Jacobson, A. M., Noam, G. G., & Powers, S. I.  (1983).  Ego development and self-image complexity in early adolescence: Longitudinal studies of psychiatric and diabetic patients.  Archives of General Psychiatry, 40, 325-332.

Kohlberg, L., Higgins, A., & Powers, S. I.  (1983).  Fairness in aging families.  Proceedings of the National Extension Gerontological Workshop.  Federal Extension Committee on Policy.  Columbia, MO: Missouri Cooperative Extension Service.

Powers, S. I., Hauser, S. T., Schwartz, J., Noam, G. G., Jacobson, A. M.  (1983).  Family interaction and adolescent ego development: A structural-developmental perspective.  New Directions for Child Development, 22, 5-25.

Jacobson, A. M., Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., Noam, G. G.  (1982).  Ego development in diabetics: A longitudinal study.  Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, 10, 1-8.

Hauser, S. T., Powers, S. I., Jacobson, A. M., Schwartz, J., Noam, G. G.  (1982).  Family interactions and ego development in diabetic adolescents.  Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, 10, 69-76.

Powers, S. I.  (1982).  Adolescent development within the context of the family.  Proceedings of research seminar: What do we know about girls?  Indianapolis, IN: Girls Clubs of America, Inc.

Hauser, S. T., Pollets, D., Turner, B., Jacobson, A. M., Powers, S. I., & Noam, G. G.  (1979).  Ego development and self-esteem in diabetic youth.  Diabetic Care, 2, 465-471.

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AFFILIATED GROUPS

Growth in Early Marriage (GEM) Project

Center for Research on Families

Neuroscience and Behavior Program 

Developmental Science Program

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FOR PROSPECTIVE GRAD STUDENTS

Are you are interested in applying to the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at UMass Amherst and working in the lab?  We are excited to hear from you! 

Here is a self-check as you think about whether we are a good match for what you are looking for in your clinical psychology training.

 

Are you interested in:

Human development?  

Developmental psychopathology?  

Stress?  

Neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, hormones, and/or bio-psychosocial research?  

Internalizing/affective disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety)?  

Interactions between internalizing problems and externalizing behaviors?

Interactions between internalizing problems and personality variables?

Research pertaining to children and adolescents or to adults?  (You're in luck, we are interested in both!)

Dyadic research (studying individuals but also studying couples, parent-adolescent relationships, or other close relationships)?

 

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but merely some of the broad questions Dr. Powers and her graduate students are interested in.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the division of Clinical Psychology at UMass Amherst

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APPLY TO BE A RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Current opportunities for undergraduates:

Prof. Paula Pietromonaco (PI) and Prof. Sally Powers (Co-PI) are conducting a study of young marriages in opposite-sex couples.  If you would like to apply to be an undergraduate research assistant for the Growth in Early Marriage (GEM) Study, please click here for an application. 

Students are eligible if they (a) have completed at least one semester in residence at the University; (b) have completed the required Introductory Psychology course, and Psychology 240 and 241, or their equivalents; and (c) have a minimum GPA of 3.00. Please download the application, complete it, and email it to Professor Pietromonaco (@email). Thank you!

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CONTACT US

f you need to send something to the lab please address it to:

Jeffrey P. Winer
Adolescent and Family Research Lab
Tobin Hall
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
01003

For questions about our webpage or website:

jpwiner@psych.umass.edu

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LAB ALUMNI

Previous Graduate Students in the Lab:

Donna Kreher, Ph.D.

Elieen Bent, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Seeley-Wait, Ph.D.

Heidemarie Laurent, Ph.D.

Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel, Ph.D.

Anne E. Smith, Ph.D.

S. Beckford, Ph.D.

Eliza McArdle, Ph.D.

Cheryl Bonica, Ph.D.

Cynthia Battle, Ph.D.

L. Alexander, Ph.D.

Kristen Pollack Dorta, Ph.D.

Virginia Wright, Ph.D.

J. Pao, Ph.D.

M. Stephenson-Loidice, Ph.D.

S. T. Weylman, Ph.D.

Deborah Welsh, Ph.D.

Jill Greenwald, Ph.D.