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
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.
![Photo of a shadow of an adult holding the hand of a child](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/shadows-of-humans-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
The College Welcomed New Faculty in 2020
See the new faces at the College of Natural Sciences.
![Seal of the university of texas with an orange filter](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/my_project-1_2.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hdfs-age-pandemic-1400px.jpeg)
Faculty Members Named to Professorships and Endowed Chairs
Several College of Natural Sciences faculty members have been newly appointed to special professorships and endowed chairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
![Seal of the University of Texas at Austin with a burnt orange filter on the image](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/seal_1400.jpeg)
UT News
COVID-19 Pandemic is Having Little to No Effect on Intimate Relationships
People’s overall satisfaction levels with their relationships changed little during the pandemic, even amid significant stressors, from job losses to health concerns.
![Artist rendering showing couples and families in soap bubbles](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hdfs-pandemic-couples-families-1400px-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
7 Ideas from the School of Human Ecology for Responding to COVID-19
Stephen Russell talks about how we can use the pandemic to reach greater human connection.
![A person walks across the Gearing Hall courtyard alone near the UT Tower](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/035_20180711-gearing_courtyard_tower-0200_-2400x1350-f252b8c8-38cc-45ca-8153-f6ca865baa81.jpg)
Science Amid the Social Distance
A compilation from our previous episodes that we hope will help you find some solace right now: in rediscovering life, the people we're closest with...
![A cross-section of a nautilus shell](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/nautilus2400x1350.jpg)
Four Natural Sciences Faculty Receive President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Awards
Michael Drew, Janice Fischer, Marci Gleason and Vernita Gordon received President's Associate Teaching Excellence Awards.
![Profile photos side by side of 2020 President's Associates Teaching Award winners Michael Drew, Janice Fischer, Marci Gleason and Vernita Gordon.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_2020-teaching-excellence-award-winners-_20200306-182717_1.jpeg)
The Texas Scientist
20/20 Foresight
So what will the next 50 years bring? Absent a crystal ball, your best bet would be to ask a scientist.
![Illustration by David Steadman.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/feature-next-fifty-years.jpeg)