Megan M. Golonka,

Contact Info:

Office Location:	Soc/Psych 103
Office Phone:	919-660-5631
Email Address:
Web Page:

Education:

Ph.D.	Duke University	2013
M.A.	Duke University	2011
B.A.	University of Notre Dame	2000

Research Interests: Costanzo

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.

Areas of Interest:

Adolescent peer relations
Risk behaviors
Online social networking

Recent Publications   (search)

1. CS Sheppard, M Golonka and PR Costanzo (2012). Evaluating the impact of a substance use intervention program on the peer status and influence of adolescent peer leaders.. Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research, 13(1), 75-85.  [abs]
2. S Miller Johnson, JE Lansford, PR Costanzo, PS Malone, M Golonka and LA Killeya Jones (2009). Early Adolescent Romantic Partner Status, Peer Standing, and Risk-Taking Behaviors and the Role of Gender. Journal of Early Adolescence, 29(6), 839-861.
3. S Miller, JE Lansford, P Costanzo, PS Malone, M Golonka and LA Killeya-Jones (2009). Early Adolescent Romantic Partner Status, Peer Standing, and Problem Behaviors.. The Journal of early adolescence, 29(6), 839-861.  [abs]