University of Virginia-Main Campus · PsychologyAllen Relationships Lab
Joseph Patrick Allen · Charlottesville, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Joseph Patrick Allen's lab focuses on understanding how the quality of social relationships during adolescence can impact physical health and aging later in life. The research utilizes extensive longitudinal data to explore connections between early relationships, such as those with family and peers, and health outcomes in mid-adulthood. The ultimate goal is to identify new interventions to promote health and wellness that start in adolescence.
adolescent healthsocial relationshipslongitudinal studyagingmental healthhealth interventionscardiovascular risksfamily dynamicspeer influenceepigenetic aging
Research Aims
4AIM 01Examine how social relationship qualities in adolescence predict health and aging in midlife.
AIM 02Identify mechanisms linking adolescent relationship experiences to midlife health outcomes.
AIM 03Investigate the role of mental health and health behaviors as mediators in these linkages.
AIM 04Assess biological and contextual factors that influence the relationship between adolescence and midlife health.
Skills the Lab Values
longitudinal data analysisqualitative interviewssociometric assessmentpsychometric testinghealth behavior assessmentdata managementstatistical modelingbiological indicators measurementpublic health research methodsintervention design