News: Human Development and Family Sciences

Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

UT News

How a Natural Disaster Can Bring Couples Closer

A new study has implications for how to help families in the aftermath of natural disasters.

An older man in a yellow rain coat holds the arm of an older woman, right, as they wade through ankle-deep flood waters during Hurricane Harvey

Accolades

Natural Sciences Researchers Win President’s Award for Global Learning

A team with two CNS undergraduates of UT Austin were involved with research about the relationship between undergraduates' mental health and their social support networks...

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UT News

Black Families Are Combating the Effects of Discrimination on Their Children Through Talks

Conversations between parents and children have been shown to improve outcomes for the children.

A Black man, left sits beside a Black boy on a front porch as the two talk

UT News

Older Adults Are Happier When Space Matches Personality

People who have a match between personality and living space report better well-being.

Artist image of a living room with lasers and static superimposed over the top

UT News

Evidence Against Physically Punishing Kids Is Clear, Researchers Say

Physical punishment is ineffective and predicts increases in behavior problems.

A tunnel looking out into a forested area. Two figures, one adult, one child, are silhouetted and holding hands

UT News

Blaming the Pandemic for Stress Leaves Couples Happier

Blaming outside stressors, rather than each other, for problems in the relationship leaves couples more satisfied.

Artist illustration shows a couple with arms around each other surrounded by a picket fence

Podcast

The Case Against Spanking

Liz Gershoff thinks that as a society, we should get away from the idea that violence is integral to teaching children.

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UT News

Twin Study Shows Why Physical Punishment Leads to Child Behavior Problems

Harsh parenting practices, not genetics, are linked to higher levels of behavior problems in children, according to a new study.

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Announcements

The College Welcomed New Faculty in 2020

See the new faces at the College of Natural Sciences.

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Research

Elders Who Live Alone See Benefits in Interacting with Others

Older adults living alone during the pandemic saw distinct benefit from in-person visits when compared to electronic communications.

Illustration of an older man sitting in front of a laptop computer at a dining room table