Consistent with a developmental psychopathology framework approach, my research is guided by ecological systems theory, which highlights the dynamic interplay of the growing and developing child within the multiple contexts in which the child lives and interacts.  Accordingly, my research focuses on the family as a context for the study of child and adolescent adjustment, as well as interactions between children, families, and other ecological contexts (e.g., neighborhoods).  Of particular interest to me has been children and families at heightened risk for maladjustment due to a stressful transition (e.g., transition to adolescence); illness (e.g., parental or child mental/physical illness or risk for illness); and/or sociodemographic circumstances (e.g., poverty, single parent families).   Given that these risk factors are more likely to occur among ethnic minorities, a primary focus of my work continues to be ethnic minority families.  Accordingly, my research has been guided by the following three interrelated themes: (1). The cultural and empirical relevance of the traditional family literature for understanding underserved and at-risk families; (2). The role of fathers and other nontraditional “coparents” in maternal and child adjustment; and (3). The use of basic research on children and families to inform, develop, and implement family-focused prevention programs for  underserved and at-risk families.

Email Dr. Jones at djjones@email.unc.edu