Current Projects
We are actively involved in several exciting family research directions.
SEED Survey
Investigator: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey
We believe that emerging adulthood is an important developmental period to consider issues of religious development, given advances in cognitive functioning, interpersonal perspective taking, and changes in autonomy that comes with living intendedly for the first time. Research findings generally support the notion that youth with stronger religious beliefs and practices experience fewer adjustment problems although there are inconsistencies in the nature and strength of reported associations. The operationalization of religiosity in most studies with children and families has been weak, focusing primarily on single item measures of religious denomination, attendance or importance, or measures of biblical conservatism. The current study utilizes richer measures of religiosity, including attachment to God and daily spirituality. Through SEED survey, we seek to understand the associations between religiosity, mindfulness, and concepts of strength based measures, such as self-compassion, happiness, savoring, gratitude, and life satisfaction. By examining the emerging adults’ retrospective reports of religiosity, parental bonding, and family environment while growing up, as well as their current adjustment and wellbeing, we will have preliminary evidence to evaluate whether prospective exploration of these questions with more time intensive and costly research with children and families is warranted.
Children and Political Violence in Northern Ireland
Investigators: Dr. E. Mark Cummings (University of Notre Dame) , Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey, Dr. Christine Merrilees (SUNY-Geneseo),
Dr. Laura Taylor (Queens University Belfast), Dr. Peter Shirlow (Queens University, Belfast), Dr. Ed Cairns* (deceased)
The Northern Ireland Project is a multi phase, six wave longitudinal study of nearly 1000 mother-adolescent dyads in Belfast that was funded by the NICHD. Utilizing a social-ecological, process-oriented approach, the study explores the pathways between political and sectarian violence and ordinary crime, family functioning, and adolescents' development.
Positivity in Families
This project explores the influence of positive marital interactions and couples' emotional skillfulness on marital and family quality, as well as child emotional security and well-being.
Family Mindfulness Project
Investigators: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey, Dr. Barry Wagner (CUA), Dr. Claire Spears (CUA)
This project explores the role of mindfulness (purposeful, present-focused attention with an attitude of acceptance and non-judgment) in family life. We are working with parents, children, and mindfulness teachers to explore the influence of mindfulness practices and principles on relationships, attitudes, and communication within families.
Child and Family Religiosity
Investigator: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey
We are currently developing a new project to explore the role of religiosity in families and youths' development. Stay tuned!
Military Family Project
Investigators: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey and Dr. Barry Wagner (CUA)
This line of research considers risk and resilience in military families, including a focus on deployment and wounded warriors.
SEED Survey
Investigator: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey
We believe that emerging adulthood is an important developmental period to consider issues of religious development, given advances in cognitive functioning, interpersonal perspective taking, and changes in autonomy that comes with living intendedly for the first time. Research findings generally support the notion that youth with stronger religious beliefs and practices experience fewer adjustment problems although there are inconsistencies in the nature and strength of reported associations. The operationalization of religiosity in most studies with children and families has been weak, focusing primarily on single item measures of religious denomination, attendance or importance, or measures of biblical conservatism. The current study utilizes richer measures of religiosity, including attachment to God and daily spirituality. Through SEED survey, we seek to understand the associations between religiosity, mindfulness, and concepts of strength based measures, such as self-compassion, happiness, savoring, gratitude, and life satisfaction. By examining the emerging adults’ retrospective reports of religiosity, parental bonding, and family environment while growing up, as well as their current adjustment and wellbeing, we will have preliminary evidence to evaluate whether prospective exploration of these questions with more time intensive and costly research with children and families is warranted.
Children and Political Violence in Northern Ireland
Investigators: Dr. E. Mark Cummings (University of Notre Dame) , Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey, Dr. Christine Merrilees (SUNY-Geneseo),
Dr. Laura Taylor (Queens University Belfast), Dr. Peter Shirlow (Queens University, Belfast), Dr. Ed Cairns* (deceased)
The Northern Ireland Project is a multi phase, six wave longitudinal study of nearly 1000 mother-adolescent dyads in Belfast that was funded by the NICHD. Utilizing a social-ecological, process-oriented approach, the study explores the pathways between political and sectarian violence and ordinary crime, family functioning, and adolescents' development.
Positivity in Families
This project explores the influence of positive marital interactions and couples' emotional skillfulness on marital and family quality, as well as child emotional security and well-being.
Family Mindfulness Project
Investigators: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey, Dr. Barry Wagner (CUA), Dr. Claire Spears (CUA)
This project explores the role of mindfulness (purposeful, present-focused attention with an attitude of acceptance and non-judgment) in family life. We are working with parents, children, and mindfulness teachers to explore the influence of mindfulness practices and principles on relationships, attitudes, and communication within families.
Child and Family Religiosity
Investigator: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey
We are currently developing a new project to explore the role of religiosity in families and youths' development. Stay tuned!
Military Family Project
Investigators: Dr. Marcie Goeke-Morey and Dr. Barry Wagner (CUA)
This line of research considers risk and resilience in military families, including a focus on deployment and wounded warriors.
