News: Human Development and Family Sciences
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
The Language Brokers
Researchers like Su Yeong Kim are debating whether being a language broker is good for children, or not.
![Illustration of two people speaking with word bubbles over their heads](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hdfs_illustration_2400x1350.jpg)
UT News
Victimization of Transgender Youths Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Substance Abuse
Researchers led by Stephen Russell of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences have found transgender adolescents are at greater risk for substance abuse...
![A young person in the shadows of a school hallway at the lockers](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/utnews_large_student_1160x1107-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
UT News
Couples Weather Bickering With a Little Help from Their Friends
Research led by Lisa Neff finds close social ties help alleviate stress linked to marital conflicts.
![A friend puts her arm around a pal as they look out on a street](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/friends_couple-1200x800-c-default.jpeg)
The Science of Relationships
What are the health benefits of romantic relationships? How can newlyweds avoid communication breakdowns that result from external stress? Do optimists make better partners?
![Older couple, the woman's hand rests on the cheek of the man, both look content](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/old_couple2400x1350.jpg)
UT News
Mixing Ages in Head Start Stunts Academic Progress
Four-year-olds in the nation’s largest preschool program fare worse with 3-year-olds in their classrooms, according to new research led by Elizabeth Gershoff that shows a...
![Different Ages, Different Learning: An infographic explains that separating children who are 3 from those who are 4 in Head Start may improve academic progress. Children play with blocks and the infographic summarizes differences in vocabulary, socialization, color recognition, etc. summarized in the article.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/kid-infographic_800px-wide.jpeg)
2015 Summer Blockbusters: Meet Our Science Truth Detector
With summer movie season in full swing, cinema-goers are leaving theaters with one big question in mind: “Wait, could that really happen?”
![Cartoon characters representing different feelings stand around a control console](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/inside-out2400x1350.jpg)
Freshman Research Initiative Alum Spotlight: Elvira Marquez
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI), we visit with some of the alumni of the program, like Human Development...
![Elvira Marquez](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/elvira-700x420.jpg)