Child and Youth Health Promotion

Research in the thematic area of Child and Youth Health Promotion is concerned with the physical and mental health correlates and characteristics of children and youth. Included are efforts to promote physical and mental health through culturally sensitive, multisystemic, evidence based approaches. Examples include school and community health promotion programs, interagency and coordinated systems of care, positive behavior supports, and community youth development. Research in this area is concerned with positive youth development, resiliency, developmental supports, and family-centered services.

In addition, research in the area of child and youth health promotion is concerned with factors in childhood behavioral health and health-related behaviors. Included are nutrition, childhood obesity, exercise, and programs encouraging positive habits. Research in this area also addresses biological/physiological effects on development, early brain development, and physical, mental, and social health relationships. Health disparities and the effects of poverty on child health is also considered.

The Department of Education-supported grant entitled Family-Centered Interdisciplinary Collaboration awarded to co-Principals across UNL and UNMC campuses, is an example of a funded project in this area.