Dr. Jennifer Lansford

Biography

Jennifer Lansford is a S. Malcolm Gillis Distinguished Research Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Her research focuses on developmental psychology, particularly concerning children and families in diverse cultural contexts. Lansford has extensively studied the effects of parenting practices on child behavior and development, exploring how factors such as parental discipline, family dynamics, and peer relationships contribute to social and emotional outcomes in youth. Her work examines the impact of adverse experiences, such as physical abuse and parental divorce, on children's mental health and adjustment, and she investigates how cultural factors moderate these relationships. Additionally, she has analyzed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and family dynamics, highlighting the increased stress on parents and the resulting effects on children's well-being. Over her career, Lansford has made significant contributions to the field, with numerous publications that address critical issues in child development and policy, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances in parenting and family dynamics. Her research aims to inform evidence-based policy and interventions that support families and improve child outcomes worldwide.

Research Interests

Experience