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NEWS RELEASE

09-11-03

Contacts:
Carolyn Cutrona, Institute for Social and Behavioral Research,
(515) 294-4518
James Bloedel, Vice Provost of Research, (515) 294-6344
Dave Gieseke, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, (515) 294-7742
Kevin Brown, News Service, (515) 294-8986

CUTRONA NAMED NEW DIRECTOR FOR IOWA STATE'S INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH

AMES, Iowa -- Carolyn Cutrona, professor of psychology at Iowa State University, has been named director of ISU's Institute for Social and Behavioral Research.

Cutrona has been affiliated with the institute since joining Iowa State's faculty in 1992. After serving as associate director of the institute for two years, she became interim director last year.

"Carolyn Cutrona has made substantial contributions to the research profile of the institute," said James Bloedel, vice provost of research. "We are very pleased that she has agreed to lead the institute in a time when social and psychological aspects of family interactions are a high priority on the research agenda of the National Institutes of Health."

Cutrona's research interests include coping with stress, social support, close relationships, health psychology and marital relationships. She currently is the principal investigator on a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to research vulnerability and resiliency in African American parents. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Scientists and staff in the institute make fundamental contributions to the understanding of human behavior, specifically on family interactions. The institute applies that understanding to the development of programs and policies to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities, both locally and nationally.

Research at the institute is being conducted on the consistency of parenting practices from one generation to the next, effects of community characteristics on childrearing outcomes, and strategies for implementing prevention programs in schools and communities.

Approximately 27 faculty and research scientists, 15 graduate students and 170 professional employees and hourly staff work at the institute.

The institute is affiliated with the Vice Provost of Research Office. Faculty members from the colleges of Agriculture, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Family and Consumer Sciences are associated with the institute.

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