Dr. Rona Carter

Biography

Rona Carter is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work, specializing in the study of associations among pubertal development patterns and adjustment, focusing on psychological, behavioral, and health dimensions. Her work pays particular attention to pubertal processes and the influence of socio-cultural contextual factors such as family, peers, teachers, and romantic partners, as well as broader social systems like culture and ethnicity. Professor Carter’s research is anchored in understanding how these interwoven factors contribute to the adjustment problems faced by girls during late childhood and young adulthood. She draws on both secondary data analysis and original data collection, prioritizing the measurement and evaluation of how race, ethnicity, and gender intersect in these contexts. Her guiding philosophy stems from social development theory, emphasizing that individual development occurs within social and cultural frameworks, which perpetually interact with the developing individual. Professor Carter’s scholarship is significant for understanding the relational and social contexts that shape girls' health outcomes and their negotiation of interpersonal relationships while making sexual decisions.

Research Interests