Short Can Also Be Sweet: Student Success from a Condensed Summer Bridge Program

Author: Jasmaine Allen | Prevention ScienceThis mixed-methods study examined student success outcomes from a condensed Summer Bridge pilot program implemented in Fall 2024 at Rutgers–Camden, with a focus on first-generation college students. Given that first-generation students comprise over half of college enrollees yet experience lower retention and graduation rates, this study explored whether a shorter… continue reading

School Connectedness and Adolescent Mental Health in the Context of Frequent Social Media Use

Author: Morenike Alugo | Prevention ScienceAdolescent mental health and social media use remain central public health concerns. Although frequent social media use has been linked to poor mental health, less is known about whether protective social environments, particularly at school and at home, are associated with adolescent well-being in this context. This study examined the… continue reading

Blessed or Biased? Religious Identity, Sexism, and Contraceptive Access

Author: Alexis Richeson | Prevention SciencePublic conversations about birth control are often framed as medical or political, yet they are shaped by culture, religion, and gender ideology. Religious teachings and interpretations of sacred texts have historically influenced how individuals understand women’s bodies, sexuality, and gender roles. Sexism continues to shape reproductive attitudes. A 2025 meta-analysis… continue reading

Neighborhood Violent Crime as a Developmental Stressor: Within-Adolescent Evidence from a National Longitudinal Cohort

Author: Joseph Abbas | Prevention ScienceAdolescents in economically disadvantaged U.S. communities are disproportionately exposed to persistent neighborhood violent crime rooted in structurally segregated environments. Although community violence is consistently linked to youth distress, most studies compare different youth or neighborhoods rather than examining how changes in violence exposure affect the same adolescents over time. Guided… continue reading

Salem County Community Co-Design and Response to Rural Colorectal Cancer Prevention Messaging

Author: Kiersten Westley Henson | Prevention ScienceColorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States, despite strong evidence that early detection through screening substantially reduces disease burden. Persistent disparities in CRC incidence, mortality, and screening uptake disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), rural residents, and… continue reading

Child Care Instability in Law Enforcement: An Overlooked Police Resiliency Issue

Author: Kiersten Westley Henson | Prevention SciencePolice officers face intense stress not only on the job but also at home, especially when reliable child care is difficult to secure. This literature review examines child care instability as a structural contributor to work–family conflict, burnout, and reduced resiliency among police officers. While police wellness initiatives increasingly… continue reading