Activate Center

Research Summary

Syntheses of existing research and data on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, written for youth-supporting professionals. Each summary describes what the research evidence shows, notes the limitations of the underlying studies and priorities for future research, and points to further reading and resources.

Supportive Adult Connections, Teen Pregnancy, and Youth Mental Health

This research summary examines the intersections between mental health and teen pregnancy, describes how nonfamilial supportive adults are a well-documented protective factor across multiple aspects of young people’s well-being, and highlights ways youth-supporting professionals can serve in the role of a supportive adult.

  • Healthy relationships
  • Pregnancy and parenting
New Research Summary

Exploring the Dual Experiences of Parenting While Being Parented

This summary describes research about young parents and their adult caregivers, with considerations for professionals supporting youth and families who face unique adversities.

  • Healthy relationships
  • Pregnancy and parenting
Research Summary

Sexual Cyberbullying Research Summary

This research summary defines various forms of sexual cyberbullying, reports what we know about the prevalence of sexual cyberbullying, discusses factors that increase the risk for or protect youth against sexual cyberbullying, reviews what is known about preventing sexual cyberbullying, and shares information about relevant laws and resources for youth-supporting professionals.

  • Healthy relationships
  • Sexual violence
Research Summary

Seven Dimensions of Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Youth

This brief summarizes available research on seven dimensions of access to sexual and reproductive health care. Our goal is to inform youth-supporting professionals about the complexity of access for youth who have experienced the child welfare and/or justice systems, homelessness, and/or disconnection from school and work (i.e., opportunity youth).

  • Sexual and reproductive health care
  • Research translation methods
Research Summary

Healthy Romantic Relationships and Youth Well-being

This resource summarizes research and practice literature, provides practice guidance, and describes cultural and systemic considerations associated with three key domains of healthy romantic relationships.

  • Healthy relationships
Research Summary

Opportunity Youth and Sex-based Harassment in the Workplace: A Scan of Research and Resources

Understanding sex-based harassment is an important tool for youth-supporting professionals and can empower opportunity youth as they navigate the workplace. This resource describes how youth-supporting professionals can aid youth. While it is true that youth-supporting professionals may not be able to fully prevent harassment from occurring, they can tailor services and supports to help protect youth—and to help youth protect themselves—by recognizing harassing behaviors and navigating how to address harassment if it does take place.

  • Sexual violence
Research Summary