MOSAIC Lab

Welcome to the MOSAIC (Marginalization, Opportunities, and Strengths of Adolescents in Context) Lab!

Our lab studies how the social contexts surrounding adolescents shape their mental and physical health, educational outcomes, and overall development. Our research spans critical developmental periods from middle and high school through the transition to adulthood, allowing us to examine how various social, psychological, and physiological factors impact adolescents over time.

Using a multi-method approach that includes longitudinal surveys, in-depth interviews, and biological data collection, we aim to uncover the processes by which life experiences—from adversity to opportunity—get “under the skin” to impact adolescent health and well-being.

RECENT NEWS!

  • New papers!
    • Lopez, B. A., & Benner, A. D. (2025). Challenges in the transition to kindergarten and children’s well-being through elementary school: Do school transition supports matter?. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 71, 193-204.
    • Benner, A. D., Harrington, M. K., Kealy, C., & Nwafor, C. E. (2025). The COVID‐19 pandemic and adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences at school: A systematic narrative review. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 35(1), e12935.
    • Coulter, K. M., Benner, A. D., Rojas, F. A., & Harrington, M. (2025). The co‐development of ethnic identity and future orientation among ethnically/racially minoritized adolescents: A parallel process model. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 35(1), e70001.

PAST NEWS

      • Policy brief out highlighting ways to support students during the critical transition to high school!
        • López, B. A., & Benner, A. D. (2025). Promoting students’ well-being during the transition to high school. The State Education Standard, 25(2), 28–33. https://www.nasbe.org/transitions/