Thrive Center for Human Development  

"...exploring the science and practice of nurturing optimal development."   

The Thrive Center exists to promote human thriving by:  

• Researching the development of child and adolescent spirituality, character and competence, and  
• Providing resources for individuals and organizations that assist young people to become flourishing adults.  

Director: Dr. Justin Barrett 

Manager: Rebecca Dorsey Sok 

Faculty (in alphabetical order): Drs. Justin Barrett, James Furrow, Pamela Ebstyne King, Sarah Schnitker, and Maria Wong  

Research topics and projects 

• Cognitive Science of Religion  
  • Is Religion Natural? The Chinese Challenge               
   

• Child and Adolescent Development 
  • Positive Youth Development 
  • Spiritual Exemplars Project 
  • Youth Violence 
   

• Marriage and Family 
  • Research on Parenting  
  • Conflict Resolution in Families Project 
  • Emotion Focused Couple Therapy: Process and Training Research