Professor Dr. Deinera Exner Cortens

Biography

Deinera Exner-Cortens' research focuses on promoting healthy adolescent development. Various factors contribute to the well-being of adolescents, specifically examining the role of healthy and unhealthy relationships and their association with numerous adverse outcomes over time. Her overarching goal is to understand and promote healthy relationships in adolescence while preventing adverse experiences that can negatively impact health across the life course. A significant part of her work involves leading evaluations of healthy relationships programs designed to build the skills and capacities of adolescents to engage in positive interpersonal relationships free of violence. In addition to program evaluations, Exner-Cortens has expertise in adolescent dating violence, particularly in studying the trajectories of victimization and future outcomes. Her mixed-methods research is characterized by collaborations with academic and community partners.

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