Research Interests and Publications:

Why do some children grow up to be well-adjusted adolescents and others do not? This question lies at the crux of Dr. Mendle's research, which investigates the mechanisms by which normal developmental processes go awry. At present, she is particularly interested in universal transitions -- such as puberty or age of first sexual intercourse -- which seem to hold more resonance and present more of a stumbling block for some people. By looking at these junctures in the context of a larger continuum, Dr. Mendle investigates how childhood risks such as father absence, environmental stress, and peer groups influence adolescent sexual behavior, substance use, and delinquency. She additionally has interests in how individual perceptions of maturation and puberty relate to later adjustment.

Selected Publications:

Mendle, J., Harden, K.P., Turkheimer, E., van Hulle, C., D'Onofrio, B.M., Brooks-Gunn, J., Rodgers, J.L., Emery, R.E., & Lahey, B.B. (2009). Associations between father absence and age of first sexual intercourse. Child Development, 80, 1463-1480.

Harden, K.P., Mendle, J., Hill, J.E., Turkheimer, E., & Emery, R.E. (2008). Rethinking timing of first sex and delinquency. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37, 373-385.

Mendle, J., Turkheimer, E., & Emery, R.E. (2007). Detrimental psychological outcomes associated with early pubertal timing in adolescent girls. Developmental Review, 27, 151-171.

Mendle, J., Turkheimer, E., D'Onofrio, B.M., Lynch, S.K., Emery, R.E., Slutske, W., & Martin, N.G. (2006). Family structure and age at menarche: a children of twins approach. Developmental Psychology, 42, 533-542.