FCS Research Interests

Research Facilities

In keeping with the University's role as a research extensive institution, the departmental programs are based on the belief that sound intellectual development relies on an understanding of underlying theories, principles, and concepts in each area of study and that research is an integral part of that endeavor. Both faculty and students are provided opportunities to test theories and generate new knowledge through scholarly contributions to research.Facilities for research include:

• FSU Family Institute - a multidisciplinary unit dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families through research. Project-based teams led by FSU faculty address a variety of challenges faced by families. Current projects include relationship and marriage education, parenting, foster families, homelessness, and evaluation of family service programs. Research conducted at the Institute is used to inform family policy makers and provides an empirical foundation for its outreach efforts. The Institute also is home to the Florida Inter-University Consortium representing 4 state universities, 2 private universities, and 4 state agencies.
• Center for Couple & Family Therapy - a primary resource for cutting edge research addressing the needs of contemporary families. Areas of interest include best practices in relational interventions and understanding family systems in interaction with their environments throughout the life span. Federally funded research includes marital strengthening for families who adopt special needs children. The Center is equipped with computer stations and state-of-the-art digital recording, storage, and retrieval devices, including a play analyzer adapted from professional sports.

In addition, collaborative work with governmental agencies, schools, and private industry provides further research opportunities in non-university settings.