Mark Feinberg conducts basic and applied prevention research on youth, families, and communities, with a particular focus on family-focused prevention. He has made contributions to theory and research in areas such as:
- co-parenting;
- sibling relationships;
- the epidemiology of adolescent behavior problems;
- the efficacy of evidence-based community prevention initiatives; and
- transactions between family and social relationships and biological systems including genetics, cortisol/HPA axis, and cardiovascular disease markers.
His long-standing interest in community health has led him to lead or participate in evaluations of community-level systems designed to promote evidence-based prevention programs and policies including Communities That Care, Evidence2Success, and PROSPER. In the long-term PROSPER randomized trial, he has catalyzed and/or co-led projects on adolescent peer networks, genetics, and second-generation transmission.
Mark edited Designing evidence-based public health and prevention programs: Expert program developers explain the science and art, a unique volume that provides researchers and students with guidance around developing prevention and public health programs. He is currently co-editing a volume showcasing 10 years of work by the PROSPER peer network research group titled Teen Friendship Networks, Development, and Risky Behaviors.
Mark developed the Family Foundations program and co-developed prevention programs focused on reducing adverse birth outcomes, childhood obesity, and sibling conflict—all of which have demonstrated positive impacts in randomized trials.
Family Foundations
Family Foundations is a series of 9 classes for first-time pregnant moms and their partners. It is based on the innovative idea that a key foundation for all family relationships, including the well-being of both children and parents, is the quality of co-parenting relations (i.e., how parents support and coordinate with each other in their parenting role).
Family Foundations has demonstrated positive impacts on a range of outcomes in five trials, including:
- better birth outcomes
- reduced postpartum depression
- reduced postpartum weight retention
- lower mother and father stress
- reduced family violence, and
- better parenting and co-parenting quality.
Infants in these families show better self-regulation, and teachers report that in first grade, the children show fewer emotional and behavioral problems and better school adjustment. Recent work has demonstrated long-term impacts 10 years after birth on parent and child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. and international collaborators have collaborated with Mark in creating a suite of Family Foundations adaptations for high-risk groups, such as:
- teen parents,
- low-income parents,
- parents with a child diagnosed with Autism, and
- couples where a parent has a moderate level of alcohol use.
Several other versions are in the pipeline or being tested, including versions to enhance family sleep and reduce obesity risk.
International Coparenting Hub
With support from the Penn State Social Science Research Institute and the College of Health and Human Development, Mark is creating an infrastructure to support researchers around the world interested in examining co-parenting relations and implementing intervention programs. The Hub will also engage in education, policy, and communication to promote recognition of the importance of team parenting for parent and child lifelong mental and physical health—with the goal of catalyzing initiatives in education, social services, health care, and other sectors of society.
Every child deserves a strong, supportive, healthy family!
- Mark E. Feinberg
Developmental Period(s)
Neonatal/Infancy, Early Childhood, Childhood, Adolescence, Early Adulthood
Level(s) of Analysis
Individuals, Families, Schools, Communities
Contact Information
314 Biobehavioral Health Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7375
MFeinberg@psu.edu
he/him
Associated Lab(s)
Family Prevention Lab
Mark Feinberg conducts basic and applied prevention research on youth, families, and communities, with a particular focus on family-focused prevention. He has made contributions to theory and research in areas such as:
- co-parenting;
- sibling relationships;
- the epidemiology of adolescent behavior problems;
- the efficacy of evidence-based community prevention initiatives; and
- transactions between family and social relationships and biological systems including genetics, cortisol/HPA axis, and cardiovascular disease markers.
His long-standing interest in community health has led him to lead or participate in evaluations of community-level systems designed to promote evidence-based prevention programs and policies including Communities That Care, Evidence2Success, and PROSPER. In the long-term PROSPER randomized trial, he has catalyzed and/or co-led projects on adolescent peer networks, genetics, and second-generation transmission.
Mark edited Designing evidence-based public health and prevention programs: Expert program developers explain the science and art, a unique volume that provides researchers and students with guidance around developing prevention and public health programs. He is currently co-editing a volume showcasing 10 years of work by the PROSPER peer network research group titled Teen Friendship Networks, Development, and Risky Behaviors.
Mark developed the Family Foundations program and co-developed prevention programs focused on reducing adverse birth outcomes, childhood obesity, and sibling conflict—all of which have demonstrated positive impacts in randomized trials.
Family Foundations
Family Foundations is a series of 9 classes for first-time pregnant moms and their partners. It is based on the innovative idea that a key foundation for all family relationships, including the well-being of both children and parents, is the quality of co-parenting relations (i.e., how parents support and coordinate with each other in their parenting role).
Family Foundations has demonstrated positive impacts on a range of outcomes in five trials, including:
- better birth outcomes
- reduced postpartum depression
- reduced postpartum weight retention
- lower mother and father stress
- reduced family violence, and
- better parenting and co-parenting quality.
Infants in these families show better self-regulation, and teachers report that in first grade, the children show fewer emotional and behavioral problems and better school adjustment. Recent work has demonstrated long-term impacts 10 years after birth on parent and child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. and international collaborators have collaborated with Mark in creating a suite of Family Foundations adaptations for high-risk groups, such as:
- teen parents,
- low-income parents,
- parents with a child diagnosed with Autism, and
- couples where a parent has a moderate level of alcohol use.
Several other versions are in the pipeline or being tested, including versions to enhance family sleep and reduce obesity risk.
International Coparenting Hub
With support from the Penn State Social Science Research Institute and the College of Health and Human Development, Mark is creating an infrastructure to support researchers around the world interested in examining co-parenting relations and implementing intervention programs. The Hub will also engage in education, policy, and communication to promote recognition of the importance of team parenting for parent and child lifelong mental and physical health—with the goal of catalyzing initiatives in education, social services, health care, and other sectors of society.
Every child deserves a strong, supportive, healthy family!
- Mark E. Feinberg
Contact Information
314 Biobehavioral Health Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7375
MFeinberg@psu.edu
he/him
Associated Lab(s)
Family Prevention Lab
Developmental Period(s) Studied
Neonatal/Infancy, Early Childhood, Childhood, Adolescence, Early Adulthood
Levels of Analysis
Individuals, Families, Schools, Communities
Family Foundations
Investing in prevention infrastructure: Economic evaluation of the PROSPER delivery and support system
Obesity Prevention for First-time Military Parents and their Children: Testing an Evidence-based Family Program
Autism Parent Navigators: Test of a Support Program for Parents
Randomized Trial of a Data-driven Technical Assistance System for Drug Prevention Coalitions (Coalition CheckUp)
Life Course Intervention Research Network (LCI-RN)
A Low-Cost RCT for Evaluating the Impact of a Universal Substance Abuse Prevention Model on the Medicaid System
Engaging Fathers in Home Visitation: Incorporation of a Co-parenting Intervention
Longitudinal Effectiveness of Communities That Care on Reducing Youth Risk Factors
Partnership Model for Diffusion of Proven Prevention (PROSPER III)
Pathways to Health from Adolescence through Young Adulthood (PROSPER 2nd Generation)
Perinatal Intervention and Long-Term Outcomes (Family Foundations)
Preventing Intimate Partner Violence among Teens Who Are Pregnant or Parenting
Strengthening Relationships/Strengthening Families (Family Foundations)
Support Low-Cost Randomized Controlled Trial of Prevention Program Impact on Medicaid Burden
Penn State establishes international center for co-parenting research
Obesity prevention in military families the focus of new $3.5M NIH grant
Program helps new parents build strong, loving bonds and teamwork skills
New study shows links between family dynamics and COVID-19 preventative measures
New program may help parents of children with autism, study finds
Family Foundations' parenting program helps families weather the pandemic
COVID-19 pandemic may have increased mental health issues within families
When COVID-19 hits home: Understanding the fight with fear
The psychology behind sibling rivalry
New book: Designing Evidence-based Public Health and Prevention Programs
Video: Penn State prevention researchers respond to COVID-19
Video: Feinberg discusses Family Foundations, successful parenting teamwork with HHD alumni
Expert Insights: Aggressive parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers to study impact of COVID-19 and social distancing on families
Family Foundations helps support military families expecting their first child
How winning friends may influence adolescent behaviors
Well-being of "left behind" children in Kyrgyzstan focus of study
Research by Xia, Feinberg, Fosco featured in July 31 issue of NIH Research Matters
Parents may help prep kids for healthier, less violent relationships
- COVID-19 family dynamics and health protective behavior adherence: A 16-wave longitudinal study
Fosco, G. M., Feinberg, M. E., Fang, S., & Sloan, C. J. (2023). Health Psychology. Advance online publication.
- Interparental conflict, family climate, and threat appraisals: Early adolescent exposure and young adult psychopathology risk
Fosco, G. M., Weymouth, B. B., & Feinberg, M. E. (2023). Journal of Family Psychology (37)5, 731-742.
- Protective effect of parental monitoring on early-to-mid adolescents displaying high-level and increasing aggressive behavior
Yang, P., Lippold, M. A., Schlomer, G. L., Feinberg, M.E., & Fosco, G. M. (2023). Applied Developmental Science. Advance online publication.
- Long-term effects of adolescent substance use prevention on participants, partners, and their children: Resiliency and outcomes 15 years later during the COVID-19 pandemic
Feinberg, M. E., Fang, S., Fosco G. M., Sloan, C. J., Mogle, J., & Spoth, R. L. (2022). Prevention Science. Advance online publication.
- Promoting toddlers’ self-regulation and healthy eating habits among families living in poverty: A randomized controlled trial of Recipe 4 Success
Nix, R. L., Gill, S., Hostetler, M. L., Feinberg, M. E., Francis, L. A., Stifter, C. A., McNeil, C.B., Kidder, S., Jones, D. E., Park, Y., Kim, C. N., Engbretson, A. G., Braaten, S. M., & Tamkin, V. L., (In press). Child Development.
- Coparenting-focused preventive intervention reduces postnatal maternal body mass index and buffers impact of cortisol
Moran, L. J., Lee, J., Jones, D. E., Fronberg, K. & Feinberg, M. E. (2022). Obesity.
- A pilot study of a co-parenting intervention for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hock, R.M., Rovane, A.K., Feinberg, M.E., Jones, D.E., & Holbert. A.A. (2022). Journal of Child and Family Studies.
- Family vulnerability, disruption, and chaos predict parent and child COVID-19 health-protective behavior adherence
Fosco, G. M., LoBraico, E. J., Sloan, C. J., Fang, S., & Feinberg, M. E. (2021). Families, systems & health: The Journal of Collaborative Family Healthcare. Advance online publication.
- Family vulnerability and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic: Prospective pathways to child maladjustment
Fosco, G.M., Sloan, C. J., Fang, S., & Feinberg M.E. (2021). The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Advance online publication.
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parent, child, and family functioning
Feinberg. M.E., Mogle. J.A., Lee, J.K., Tornello, S.L, Hostetler, M.L. Cifelli. J.A., Bai, S., Hotez, E. (2021). Family Process. Advance online publication.
- Moderators of friend selection and influence in relation to adolescent alcohol use
Hoeben, E.M., Rulison, K.L., Ragan, D.T., & Feinberg, M.E. (2021). Prevention Science, 22 (5), 567-578.
- Improving toddler's healthy eating habits and self-regulation: A randomized controlled trial
Nix, R.L., Francis, L.A., Feinberg, M.E., Gill, S., Jones, D.E., Hostetler, M.L., & Stifter, C.A. (2021). Pediatrics. 147(1). Article e20193326.
- Predictors of attendance patterns in a universal family-based preventive intervention program
LoBraico, E.J., Fosco, G.M., Feinberg, M.E., Spoth, R. Redmond, C. & Bray, B.C. (In Press). Journal of Primary Prevention.
- Designing evidence-based public health and prevention programs: Expert program developers explain the science and art
Feinberg, M. (2020). Routledge.
- Intimate partner aggression during the early parenting years: The role of dissatisfaction with division of labor and childcare
Wong, J. D., Marshall, A. D., & Feinberg, M. E. (2021). Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 10(1), 1-16.
- Age-varying associations of parental knowledge and antisocial peer behavior with adolescent substance use
Mak, H.W., Russell, M.A., Lanza, S.T., Feinberg, M.E., & Fosco, G.M. (2020). Developmental Psychology, 56, 298-311.
- Exploring influence of triadic family relationship profiles on adolescents’ early substance initiation
Xia, M., Weymouth, B., Bray, B.C., Lippold, M. A., Feinberg, M.E., & Fosco, G.M. (2020). Prevention Science, 21, 519-529.
- Constellations of family risk for long-term adolescent antisocial behavior: A latent profile analysis
LoBraico, E.J., Bray, B.C., Feinberg, M.E., & Fosco, G.M. (2020). Journal of Family Psychology, 34, 587-597.
- Parents' PTSD symptoms and child abuse potential during the perinatal period: Direct associations and mediation via relationship conflict
Fredman, S. J., Le, Y., Marshall, A. D., Garcia Hernandez, W., Feinberg, M. E., & Ammerman, R. T. (2019). Child Abuse and Neglect, 90, 66-75.
- Prospective relations between prenatal maternal cortisol and child health outcomes
Roettger, M. E., Schreier, H. M. C., Feinberg, M. E., & Jones. D. E. (2019). Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(6), 557-565. PMID: 31058707
- Hostile interactions in the family: What are the patterns and how are they linked to youth externalizing problems?
Glatz, T., Lippold, M.A., Jensen, T.M., Fosco, G.M., & Feinberg, M.E. (2020). Journal of Early Adolescence, 40, 58-82.
- Examining the highs and lows of the collaborative relationship between technical assistance providers and prevention implementers
Chilenski, S. M., Welsh, J., Olson, J., Hoffman, L., Perkins, D., & Feinberg, M. E. (2018). Prevention Science, 19, 250-259.
- Beliefs about using smartphones for health behavior change: An elicitation study with overweight and obese rural women
Symons Downs, D., Smyth, J. M., Heron, K. E., Feinberg, M. E., Hillemeier, M., & Materia, F. T. (2018). Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science.
- Experimental support for a family systems approach to child development: Multiple mediators of intervention effects across the transition to parenthood
Feinberg, M. E., & Jones, D. E. (2018). Couple and Family Psychology, 7(2), 63-75.
- Family and child outcomes 2 years after a transition to parenthood intervention
Jones, D. E., Feinberg, M. E., Hostetler, M. L., Roettger, M. E., Paul, I. J., & Ehrenthal, D. B. (2018). Family Relations, 67, 270-286.
- A dyadic perspective on PTSD symptoms’ associations with couple functioning and parenting stress in first-time parents
Fredman, S. J., Le, Y., Marshall, A. D., Brick, T. R., & Feinberg, M. E. (2017). Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 6, 117-132.
- Transactions between substance use intervention, the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, and peer substance use predicting youth alcohol use
Cleveland, H. H., Griffin, A. M., Wolf, P. A., Vandenbergh, D. J., Feinberg, M. E., Schlomer, G. L., Greenberg, M., Spoth, R., & Redmond, C. (2017). Prevention Science, 19(1), 1-12. PMCID: PMC5696096
- Dynamical systems modeling of couple interaction: A new method for assessing intervention impact across the transition to parenthood
Feinberg, M. E., Xia, M., Fosco, G. M., Heyman, R. E., & Chow, S.-M. (2017). Prevention Science, 18(8), 887-898. PMID:28597177
- Parenting stress mediates the association between negative affectivity and harsh parenting: A longitudinal dyadic analysis
Le, Y., Fredman, S. J., & Feinberg, M. E. (2017). Journal of Family Psychology, 31(6), 679-688. PMCID: PMC5607072
- Assessing coparenting relationships in daily life: The Daily Coparenting Scale (D-Cop)
McDaniel, B. T., Teti, D. M., & Feinberg, M. E. (2017). Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(9), 2396-2411. PMCID: PMC5646838
- PROSPER intervention effects on adolescents’ alcohol misuse vary by GABRA2 genotype and age
Russell, M., Schlomer, G. L., Cleveland, H. H., Vandenbergh, D. J., Feinberg, M. E., Greenberg, M. T., Spoth, R., & Redmond, C. (2017). Prevention Science, 19(1), 1-11. PMCID: PMC5552492
- Extending previous cGxI findings on 5-HTTLPR's moderation of intervention effects on adolescent substance misuse initiation
Schlomer, G. L., Cleveland, H. H., Feinberg, M. E., Wolf, Pedro S. A., Greenberg, M. T., Spoth, R. L., Redmond, C., Tricou, E. P., & Vandenbergh, D. J. (2017). Child Development, 88(6), 2001-2012.
- Risk factors for substance misuse and adolescents’ symptoms of depression
Siennick, S. E., Widdowson, A. E., Woessner, M. K., Feinberg, M. E., & Spoth, R. L. (2017). Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(1), 50-56. PMCID: PMC5182119
- PROSPER delivery of universal preventive interventions with young adolescents: Long-term effects on emerging adult substance misuse and associated risk behaviors
Spoth, R., Redmond, C., Shin, C., Greenberg, M. T., Feinberg, M. E., & Trudeau, L. (2017). Psychological Medicine, 47(13), 2246-2259. PMID:28399955
- Nurturant-involved parenting and adolescent substance use: Examining an internalizing pathway through adolescent social anxiety symptoms and substance refusal efficacy
Weymouth, B. B., Fosco, G. M., & Feinberg, M. E. (2017). Development and Psychopathology, 7, 1-14. PMID:29212564
- An adolescent substance prevention model blocks the effect of CHRNA5 genotype on smoking during high school
Vandenbergh, D. J., Schlomer, G. L., Cleveland, H. H., Schink, A. E., Hair, K. L., Feinberg, M. E., Neiderhiser, J. M., Greenberg, M. T., Spoth, R. L., & Redmond, C. (2016). Nicotine & Tobacco Research: Official Journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 18(2), 212-220. doi: 14622203
- Examining reciprocal influences among family climate, school attachment, and academic self-regulation: Implications for school success
Xia, M., Fosco, G. M., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016). Journal of Family Psychology, 26, 442-452.
- Drug prevention coalition context and capacity assessment: Comparing the United States and Mexico
Brown, L., Chilenski, S., Ramos, R., Gallegos, N., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016). Health Education and Behavior, 43(2), 145-155.
- The power of a collaborative relationship between technical assistance providers and community prevention teams: A correlational and longitudinal study
Chilenski, S., Perkins, D. F., Olson, J. R., Hoffman, L., Feinberg, M. E., Greenberg, M. T., Welsh, J. A., Crowley, D. M., & Spoth, R. L. (2016). Evaluation and Program Planning, 54(1), 19-29.
- Universal prevention exposure as a moderator of the community context: Findings from the PROSPER project
Chilenski, S., Welsh, J. A., Perkins, D. F., Feinberg, M. E., & Greenberg, M. T. (2016). American Journal of Community Psychology, 57(12), 819. doi: 00910562
- Couple-focused prevention at the transition to parenthood, a randomized trial: Effects on coparenting, parenting, family violence, and parent and child adjustment
Feinberg, M. E., Jones, D. E., Hostetler, M. L., Roettger, M. E., Paul, I. M., & Ehrenthal, D. B. (2016). Prevention Science: the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research, 17(6), 751-764. doi: 13894986
- Preventive effects on birth outcomes: Buffering impact of maternal stress, depression, and anxiety
Feinberg, M. E., Jones, D. E., Roettger, M. E., Hostetler, M. L., Sakuma, K. L., Paul, I. M., & Ehrenthal, D. B. (2016). Maternal and Child Health Journal, 20(1), 56-65. doi: 10927875
- Trajectories of adolescent hostile-aggressive behavior and family climate: Longitudinal implications for young adult romantic relationship competence
Fosco, G.M., Van Ryzin, M., Xia, M., & Feinberg, M.E. (2016).Developmental Psychology, 52(7), 1139-1150.
- Professional gatekeeping toward fathers: A powerful influence on family and child development
Frascarolo, F., Feinberg, M. E., Sznitman, A., & Favez, N. (2016). World Association for Infant Mental Health, 14.
- Friends first? The peer network origins of adolescent dating
Kreager, D. A., Molloy, L. E., Moody, J., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016).Journal of Research on Adolescence, 26(2), 257-269.
- The double standard at sexual debut: Gender, sexual behavior and early adolescent peer acceptance
Kreager, D. A., Staff, J., Gauthier, R., Lefkowitz, E. S., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016). Sex Roles, 75(78), 377-392.
- Knowledge lability: Within-person changes in parental knowledge and their associations with adolescent problem behavior
Lippold, M. A., Fosco, G. M., Ram, N., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016). Prevention Science, 17, 274-283.
- Siblings of youth with autism spectrum disorders: Theoretical perspectives on sibling relationships and individual adjustment
McHale, S. M., Updegraff, K. A., & Feinberg, M. E. (2016).Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 589-602.
- The Children, Intimate Relationships, and Conflictual Life Events (CIRCLE) interview for simultaneous measurement of intimate partner and parent to child aggression
Marshall, A. D., Feinberg, M. E., Jones, D. E., & Chote, D. R. (2017). Psychological Assessment, 29(8), 978-989. PMCID: PMC5357592
- Family-focused prevention with Latinos: What about sisters and brothers?
Updegraff, K. A., Umana-Taylor, A. J., Rodriguez De Jesus, S. A., McHale, S. M., Feinberg, M. E., & Kuo, S. I. (2016).Journal of Family Psychology, 30(5), 633-640.
- Intervention designed to diminish substance use blocks the genetic effect of the Alpha 5 subunit of the nicotinic receptor (CHRNA5) on adolescent smoking
Vandenbergh, D. J., Schlomer, G., Cleveland, H. H., Feinberg, M. E., Greenberg, M. T., Spoth, R., Redmond, C., & Hair, K. (2016, In Press).Nicotine and Tobacco Research.
