The Family Development Lab is directed by Dr. Rebecca Brock, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at UNL. The primary objective of the Family Development Lab is to investigate the development of mood and anxiety disorders, and other comorbid forms of psychopathology, across the lifespan with a focus on the family context and its etiological significance. Our research examines couple and family processes (e.g., conflict, support, warmth and closeness, friendship, respect, control) across various stages of family development (e.g., across the transition into parenthood). Multi-method approaches are employed (questionnaires, clinical interviews, behavioral observations) to assess qualities of family relationships and the health and functioning of family members (adults and children). The research conducted in this lab informs the development of interventions aimed at preventing and treating individual psychopathology and comorbid family dysfunction.
