Center for Families

Study shows physiological and behavioral benefits may be experienced by veterans with PTSD who have service dogs

A new study shows how veterans with PTSD may benefit physiologically from using service dogs. This study is the first published research to use a physiological marker to define the biobehavioral effects of service dogs on veterans with PTSD. “We chose

Block play could improve your child’s math skills, executive functioning

Semi-structured block play among preschool-age children has the potential to improve two skills – mathematics and executive functioning – critical to kindergarten readiness, according a new study by Sara Schmitt, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and

MFRI launches innovative tool to support service members, veterans and families

The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University and the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) unveiled a ground-breaking report “Measuring Our Communities: The State of Veteran and Military Families in the United States” The report unveils rich and specific

2018 Kanter Lecture: presentation slides available

Dr. Stephen Courtright’s presentation discussed his 2017 Kanter Award winning research which answers the more critical question of why supervisors behave abusively toward subordinates, in an effort to understand its causes and decrease its occurrence.

You are not just born with empathy (The Academic Minute)

Empathy is becoming more essential for graduates due to the increased globalization of many work environments. It is defined as the ability to place oneself in another’s shoes. This ability allows for emotional connection with other people and an understanding

2018 CFF research funding recipients announced

Since 1994, the Center for Families has supported family research at Purdue University. This funding is possible due to the generosity of CFF advocates and donors. CFF held its annual award breakfast in April, where recipients were announced. Take a look at

CFF director appointed to serve on National Academies committee

CFF Director, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, professor of Human Development and Family Studies and director of the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University, has been appointed to serve on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine committee that focuses on military families’ well-being.

Accepting applications! Center for Families Internship (2018-2019)

Center for Families Internship Fall 2018/Spring 2019 The Center for Families undergraduate internship seeks to position students for success in their careers. It offers the opportunity to gain real-world experience & build their resumes. -Management of a Non-Profit Organization -Role

Academics, executives to focus on ‘breaking bias’ in the business world

Academics and executives will meet at Purdue University to highlight the disparity in the number of men and women filling leadership roles, and discuss solutions to “break bias” ingrained into business cultures and practices. The Krannert School of Management, Susan

Dorsch says parents should support kids and allow them to grow from playing sports at TEDxPurdueU (Purdue Exponent)

Many kids grow up playing sports for fun, but some face pressure from parents to outperform other children. Travis Dorsch is an assistant professor at Utah State University whose work focuses on familial interactions in youth sports. He spoke about