Couples, families, and other social network research

Investigators:

Barbara McCrady

Alcohol and other drug use can have devastating effects on family functioning. Research also suggests the importance of social networks in the development and maintenance of substance use disorders, as well as in the resolution of these problems. With the support of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), CASAA investigators have played a key role in research on the assessment of social networks and have developed and researched for families and other members of the social network affected by substance abuse. We also are studying the mechanisms by which family-involved treatment is efficacious, and conducting research to increase our understanding of the underpinnings of intimate partner violence.

Specific areas of expertise include:

Assessment of the structure and functioning of social networks

Assessment of intimate partner violence in the context of alcohol use

Assessment of couple and family interactions

Development and testing of partner-involved treatment models