
Social Development Lab
About our Research
Our research focuses on understanding how individual characteristics (i.e., social anxiety) and interpersonal relations jointly influence young peoples’ development, especially in terms of having healthy interpersonal relationships and emotional health.
We often focus on development during times of transition, including the transition to school, the middle school transition, and the transitions of emerging adulthood. Transitions are particularly fascinating periods to study development because individuals sometimes respond to changed environmental circumstances in ways that represent positive turning points in their life pathways.
Our current research makes connections between patterns of development in middle childhood and early adolescence and young adult emotional health and developmental milestones, such as education, employment, interpersonal relationships including romantic relationships, and having children.
In the future, we plan to start a new longitudinal project with toddlers to examine the effects of social learning processes and temperament on the development of anxiety in childhood.

Young Adult Follow-up
If you were part of the original study, we’d like to hear from you!
We are asking participants to complete a 40-50 minute online survey. You will receive a $60 e-gift card in appreciation for your help. We would also like to reach out to one of your parents and romantic partner or friend to invite them to participate in an online survey about their relationship with you. As a thank you, they will receive a $30 e-gift card. If you are interested in filling out the survey, please contact us to receive the web link.
Please call / text 850.644.5722 or e-mail chhs-youthwellness@fsu.edu. You may also send mail directly to:
Social Development Lab
332 Sandels Building
120 Convocation Way
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1491
Unsure whether or not you were a participant?
Let us know and we will help. Remember to ask your parents, as they provided permission for you to participate.
About
From 2005 – 2010, the Youth Wellness Project traced the development of 230 youth in North Carolina from third through seventh grade. We are now reconnecting with these youth in young adulthood and are fascinated to see the diverse life paths they’ve chosen.
Dr. Heidi Gazelle directed the original Youth Wellness Project and is currently leading the young adult follow-up. The project was originally located at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It is now located at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
Newsletters
Lab Director

Heidi Gazelle, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
hgazelle@fsu.edu
Current Doctoral Students


Current Practicum Students
Andria King
Meghan Litchfield
Xiomara Romero
Hannah Stein
Current Volunteers
Sheldy Dorsaint
FSU Collaborators




Former Students
Jessie Shafer-Lundin – Former Doctoral Student
Jacob Williams – Former Doctoral Student
Alexis Hughes – Former Practicum Student & Volunteer
Kristen Turner – Former Practicum Student & Volunteer
Michael Pierre – Former Practicum Student
Sheldy Dorsaint – Former Practicum Student
Taylor Carter – Former Practicum Student
Jenna Goins – Former Practicum Student
Madelynn Bryant – Former Practicum Student
Zoraida Martinez – Former Practicum Student
Frankie Tibbitts-Bryce – Former Practicum Student
Annika Heetderks – Former Practicum Student
Starr Mandell – Honours Student
Samantha Solomon – Former Volunteer
Media Interviews
Family Time: Dealing with anxiety as kids transition to middle school
Read Article
The Daily News (Jacksonville, NC), August 2019
Why Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School is so Difficult for Students
Listen to Audio
BYUradio, July 2019
FSU researcher: Leap to middle school is hard, but can be a fresh start for socially anxious children
Read Article
FSU News, April 2019
“Being 12”
Listen to Audio | View Post
WVFS Tallahassee 89.7 FM, December 2018
Articles
Shy teenagers find it easier to be included by classmates when starting secondary school.
Read Article
The Conversation, February 2016
Childhood shyness: When is it normal and when is it cause for concern?
Read Article
The Conversation, July 2016
Get in Touch
Call or Text | |
Lab Number 850.644.1588
Local Number 336.310.9286 |
|
chs-youthwellness@fsu.edu | |
Social Development Lab, 336 Sandels, 120 Convocation Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1490 |