Research Priorities & Initiatives
RESEARCH PRIORITIES & Initatives
The Center for Women’s Health and Wellness supports interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of girls’ and women’s mental health, physical health, wellness, and health behaviors across the lifespan. CWHW research initiatives examine the individual, social, environmental, and structural factors that shape health and wellness, with the goal of informing evidence-based practices, programs, and policies.
Current Research Initiatives
Health Behaviors, Wellness, and Social Contexts Across the Lifespan
CWHW examines how health behaviors and social contexts influence the mental and physical health of girls and women. This work includes research on physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, nutrition, eating behaviors, digital media use, mental health, and social support.
In addition, CWHW studies how these behaviors connect with one another. The Center also considers how developmental stage, family and peer relationships, community environments, and access to resources shape health and wellness.
Community-Engaged Health Promotion and Programming
CWHW translates research into evidence-based practices that promote health, wellness, and access for girls and women. To do this, the Center works with community and university partners to identify needs, understand barriers, and develop responsive programs.
For example, current work includes research-informed after-school and community-based programming. These programs promote physical activity, confidence, health education, and overall wellness among girls. They also connect research, student learning, and community engagement.
Women’s Health, Chronic Conditions, and Health Equity
CWHW supports research on women’s health, chronic conditions, and health equity. This area includes work on the experiences, needs, and health behaviors of women living with chronic health conditions, including women living with HIV.
In addition, this work examines disparities in access, prevention, care, and wellness resources. Together, these efforts reflect the Center’s commitment to women’s health across diverse populations, life stages, and lived experiences.
Broader Research Priorities
Understanding Biopsychosocial Processes Across the Lifespan
CWHW investigates the biological, psychological, social, and developmental processes that influence girls’ and women’s health and well-being. For example, this research may focus on puberty and development, mental health, self-regulation, stress, substance use, sleep, eating behaviors, physical activity, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and long-term wellness.
Examining Health Behaviors and Their Contexts
CWHW studies how health behaviors develop, change, and interact over time. These behaviors may include physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, nutrition, substance use, and digital media use. Importantly, the Center examines these behaviors within their broader context. This includes individual, social, environmental, cultural, and structural influences.
Translating Research Into Evidence-Based Practice
CWHW applies research findings to programs, practices, and interventions that support girls’ and women’s health and wellness. This work includes developing, implementing, and evaluating programs in school, after-school, community, clinical, and university settings. These efforts aim to promote access, engagement, confidence, and long-term health. In particular, CWHW prioritizes programs that support populations that have faced barriers to participation, care, and wellness resources.
Advancing Health Equity for Girls and Women
CWHW recognizes that social, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions shape health and wellness. Therefore, the Center supports research that identifies inequities and examines barriers to health-promoting opportunities. This work also helps develop strategies that improve access, inclusion, and support for girls and women across diverse communities.
