Sally Powers

As a developmental psychopathologist, my research investigates the interaction of normal developmental processes and psychopathology in adolescents. I have focused on understanding the role of cognitive, personality, and life history risk factors, interpersonal behavior in close relationships, and neuroendocrine functioning in the development of psychopathology.  My most recent studies investigate a biopsychosocial model of factors hypothesized to contribute to the gender difference in the prevalence of adolescent and young adult depression. Colleague Paula Pietromonaco and I are currently conducting a longitudinal study of close relationships and health in early marriages of opposite-sex couples through the GEM project, Growth in Early Marriage.

I also serve as director of the interdisciplinary Center for Research on Families and as the Associate Dean for Faculty Development of the College of Natural Sciences.

I am also a member of the Neuroscience and Behavior Program and am affiliated with the Developmental Science area.