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Since the Institute for Social and
Behavioral Research (ISBR) began, scientists and staff have made
fundamental contributions to the understanding of human behavior
and have had success in applying that understanding to the
development of programs and policies to enhance the well-being
of individuals, families, and communities. The initial mission
was to study rural families, but over the years the work has
become more diverse, including projects involving urban and
rural African American and Native American families. Since the
Institute was founded, scientists and research staff from
multiple disciplines have combined their individual competencies
to study an increasingly broad set of important research
questions. Examples of research topics pursued by ISBR
scientists include consistency in parenting practices from one
generation to the next, the effects of community characteristics
on childrearing outcomes, and strategies for disseminating
empirically-validated prevention programs into schools and
communities. ISBR currently generates approximately six million
dollars per year in external funding, for a total of
approximately 55 million dollars since the Institute was founded
in 1988.
Carolyn Cutrona was appointed Director of
ISBR in July, 2003. A clinical psychologist, she has been
affiliated with the Institute since 1992. The previous
directors were Ron Simons and Rand Conger, both of whom are
sociologists. Approximately 29 faculty and research scientists,
3 postdoctorals 14 graduate students, 30 Student hourlies, and
150 professional employees and hourly staff work on the
Institute's projects. ISBR is administratively housed in the
office of the Vice Provost for Research.
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