Research interests

My research interests broadly involve improving the relationship between children and their families. Research suggests that many childhood problems stem from difficulties in the home, typically beginning early in the child's development. The importance of providing children quality early experiences cannot be overlooked. Therefore, a main focus of my research involves the importance of parenting education for parents of young children. Previous research (see Published Articles) has shown the Parenting Young Children program (formerly the STAR Parenting Program) to be an effective intervention in assisting parents to reduce their reliance on verbal and corporal punishment, increase their positive nurturing behavior and develop more appropriate expectations for their young children. Further, parents have reported reduced stress and aggression and reductions in behavior problems experienced by their young child.

To extend the current literature, my research is now focused on tailoring interventions to best meet family's unique needs. Specifically, while we know the Parenting Young Children program is an effective means to change parenting behaviors, premature termination is somewhat high, especially when working with an at-risk population. The Stages of Change have been used in the counseling literature to address the level of motivation for change and its relationship to treatment adherence. My current research is focused on better understanding the Stages of Change model as it applies to parenting.

A second focus of my research involves understanding the determinants of parenting. Recent research has focused on the differences associated with parenting children with non-referred externalizing behavior problems. Currently we are in the process of collecting data on religiosity and personality as they relate to parenting young children and help seeking behavior in general.

Please contact Dr. Nicholson for more information about her research interests or to get involved in one of her projects.