About us

The Youth Substance Use and Risky Behavior Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi studies the behavior of adolescents and young adults, with a particular focus on what we call "risky behavior." Specifically, we examine predictors, correlates, and potential prevention and intervention strategies related to substance use, non-suicidal self-injury, unsafe sexual behaviors, aggression, and delinquency. Our primary goals are to 1) better understand why young people engage in risky behaviors and 2) help them make better choices. Out ultimate mission is to reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors so that young people can lead happier and healthier lives.

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Former undergraduate student Angel Yarbor presenting her research on associations among PAI-A borderline personality traits, anxiety, and stress in at-risk youths at USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Former undergraduate student Bailee Brewer's award-winning poster from USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium! She tested how parenting behaviors relate to youth substance use. These data were part of her Honors thesis.

Former undergraduate student Barbara Gipson presenting her research at USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium. She examined how risky behaviors related to self-injury and suicidal ideation in at-risk youths.

Former undergraduate Honors student Bailee Brewer presenting her thesis at the 2017 Southeastern Psychological Association annual meeting in Atlanta. Bailee found that negative parenting practices relate to risky behaviors among boys at the boot camp.

Spring 2016 lab members

Former undergraduate student Katelyn Daniels presenting research on risky behaviors among youths with high vs. low levels of aggression at the 2016 Southeastern Psychological Association meeting in New Orleans.

Fall 2015 lab members

2016-2017 lab members