WSU Adolescent Relationships in Context Lab

06/02/2025

DETROIT — With funding from the Spencer Foundation, a private foundation focused on funding education studies, a Wayne State University research team is examining the long-term effects of bullying and mental health on social and academic progress in adolescents.

03/23/2023

Ever had a friend who felt more like a boss than a BFF? Check out this write-up of our latest research findings from Dr. Hannah Schacter, Dr. Adam Hoffman, and ARC Lab graduate student Alle Ehrhardt.

Friendships are important, but are they always healthy? New research finds that teens who feel dominated by their friends experience lower self-esteem and more symptoms of anxiety and depression.

01/08/2023

APF's Visionary Grants offer up to $20,000 to seed innovation through research, education, and intervention projects and programs. Congratulations to another recipient of the 2022 Visionary Grant, Dr. Hannah Schacter of Wayne State University!

10/14/2022

The importance of discovery and unique experiences for adolescent mental health- visit the article below to find out more on how to keep young minds active!

More policymakers and practitioners should encourage exploration and discovery during youth, to prevent adolescents from reaching crisis.

02/09/2021

Featuring Dr. Schacter!

BFFs look a little different right now. Here’s what that might mean when the COVID-19 crisis is over.

12/03/2020

11/25/2020

11/24/2020

Check out Dr. Schacter talking about the pandemic and adolescent mental health on today's WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit morning news!

From the global pandemic to the divisive 2020 election, kids and teens are absorbing a lot of the same stress 2020 has brought adults

11/12/2020

Important piece featuring adolescent voices.

Remote learning, lockdowns and pandemic uncertainty have increased anxiety and depression among adolescents, and heightened concerns about their mental health.

11/03/2020

“To instill a sense of agency, help kids pinpoint what matters to them. Is it climate change? Animal rights? Racial equality? Encourage them to be agents of change."

Caregivers and educators can frame and use this moment to help kids develop core values, think critically, maintain an even keel and act with agency.

09/30/2020

“These are incredibly difficult times that are emotionally taxing for everyone. But teenagers should not underestimate the value of their own special strengths.“

Guidance for teenagers on staying steady in the turmoil of the pandemic.