Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · PsychologyTurrisi Lab
Robert J Turrisi · University Park, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Robert J. Turrisi's lab conducts research aimed at reducing risky alcohol and cannabis use among college students through innovative parent-based interventions. The lab focuses on creating effective discussions between parents and their college-bound teens regarding substance use, particularly in light of increasing legalization and usage rates. Their recent studies indicate that enhanced parental guidance can lead to decreased substance use in this age group, reflecting the lab's commitment to improving student health outcomes.
college drinkingcannabis useparent interventionpublic healthrisk behavior
Research Aims
3AIM 01Assess the efficacy of a modified parent-intervention program on reducing alcohol and cannabis use among college students.
AIM 02Examine the processes by which parental interventions influence student behaviors regarding substance use.
AIM 03Identify subgroups of students who benefit the most from the parent intervention program.
Skills the Lab Values
randomized clinical trial designsurvey research techniquesdata analysis using statistical softwareparent engagement strategiessubstance use prevention methods
Output against the department
Publications294top 15% of dept.45th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations14ktop 19% of dept.55th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.