We study child psychosocial development, and the causes, consequences and prevention of violence. Our research investigates a range of biological, psychological and social influences in large longitudinal and experimental studies. Mostly our work is based on four birth cohort studies following the lives of 20,000 children and families in southern Brazil. We use interviews, observational assessments, record linkage, and biological samples to discover what promotes healthy versus maladaptive development and violence through the life-course.
Masters, PhD and Postdoc students are welcome to apply to join the Centre, and we welcome visiting researchers from other institutions.
We work on the Pelotas Birth Cohort Studies in Brazil, which are some of the largest and longest running cohorts in the developing world.
Evaluation study of the Brazilian home visiting programme “Primeira Infância Melhor” shows positive effects on parental responsiveness and sensitivity at age 4 years in 2015 Pelotas Cohort, with stronger positive effect on sensitivity for low-income parents.
