My research involves identifying temperamental, environmental and biological factors that predict the development of substance problems in young adults. In particular, I am interested in:
Whether different personality traits predict distinct forms of substance dependence (e.g., alcohol, drug and tobacco dependence).
The degree to which personality traits interact with environmental factors to predict substance misuse (e.g., do heavy drinking “events” such as turning 21 and going on spring break elicit different degrees of alcohol use in people with different personality traits).
The development of substance use problems among African-American and Arab-American young adults.
