Megan M. Golonka, Graduate Student    Edit

Megan M. Golonka

Project Coordinator, Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center
mailing address: Box 90086 Durham, NC 27708-0086
office: Soc/Psych 103
email:
phone: (919) 489-7686

research interests | publications

Research Summary:
 I am interested in the study of adolescent peer relations. My research focuses on peer influences on risky behaviors in adolescence, how different peer relations (e.g., best friendships, cross-sex friendships, romantic relationships) affect adolescents’ involvement in such behaviors, and how this varies by gender. I am specifically interested in exploring how adolescents use online social networking profiles as a setting for identity exploration (including discussion of experimentation with risky behaviors), and how online profile content links to “real life” behavior. I am also involved in the implementation and evaluation of preventive intervention programs targeting adolescents’ engagement in risky behaviors. I am interested in how researchers can translate knowledge of psychological principles into effective prevention programs, and how this research can effectively be disseminated.

Representative Publications:

  1. Miller-Johnson, S., Lansford, J.E., Costanzo, P.R., Malone, P.S., Golonka, M., & Killeya-Jones, L.A. (Accepted, January, 2009). Early Adolescent Romantic Partner Status, Peer Standing, and Risk-Taking Behaviors and the Role of Gender. Journal of Early Adolescence.
  2. Golonka, M., Foster, K., Grimes, C., & Costanzo, P. (May, 2007). Using natural peer leaders as substance use prevention agents: A preliminary trial. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Meeting of the Society for Prevention Research, Washington, DC..
  3. Foster, K., Puttalaz, M., Schmid, L., Golonka, M., & Grimes, C. (May, 2006). A whole new world of friends: The Influence of Instant Messenger on Peer Relations. Poster presented at the 14th Annual Meeting of the Society for Prevention Research, San Antonio, TX.