Research Interests for Megan M. Golonka

Faculty Mentor: Costanzo

Research Interests:
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.

Keywords:

Adolescence, Peer relations

Areas of Interest:

Adolescent peer relations
Risk behaviors
Online social networking

Recent Publications   (search)

1. Miller-Johnson, S., Lansford, J.E., Costanzo, P.R., Malone, P.S., Golonka, M., & Killeya-Jones, L.A., Early Adolescent Romantic Partner Status, Peer Standing, and Risk-Taking Behaviors and the Role of Gender, Journal of Early Adolescence, vol. 29 no. 6 (December, 2009), pp. 839-861
2. Golonka, M., Foster, K., Grimes, C., & Costanzo, P., 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. (May, 2007)
3. Foster, K., Puttalaz, M., Schmid, L., Golonka, M., & Grimes, C., 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 (May, 2006)