Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research

10/28/2026

Have you ever said yes to pet-sitting or hosting a sleepover when you really wanted to say no? You’re not alone.

A recent study found that telling people they’re free to refuse doesn’t make saying no feel any easier. Giving them the actual words does. In this case, the words were a simple “I’d rather not.”

So next time you ask a friend for a favor, try offering the words, not just the permission. Their “yes” will feel more like a real choice.

Read more on our Evidence-based Living blog on Psychology Today:

What actually makes someone feel free to say no? Research finds a script helps people feel more comfortable refusing a request, and more confident saying "yes."

10/26/2026

Thank you to Dr. Susan Wiener of University of Rochester Medicine for kicking off our 2026–27 Talks at Twelve series with a thoughtful look at how education can support adolescent health.

Wiener, who partners with our ACT for Youth project, shared lessons from both her clinical work and her teaching. A few takeaways:

- Education helps keep teens safe. Comprehensive health education that teaches communication, consent and healthy relationship skills is one of the most promising tools for preventing teen dating violence, and it supports better health outcomes over time.

- Clinicians need training too. Reproductive health gets little time in medical school, and many pediatricians feel unprepared for these conversations. A short training Wiener helped develop for pediatric residents boosted their knowledge and confidence, and the gains held six months later.

- Start with what matters to the young person. Counseling that centers each teen’s own priorities and values builds trust and leads to care that better fits their lives.

Missed the talk? Watch the recording on the BCTR YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/E-B1XNevkFQ

10/22/2026

More than half of Americans believe at least one conspiracy theory. Could one conversation change that?

On our Evidence-based Living blog on Psychology Today, we look at DebunkBot, an AI chatbot developed by researchers at Cornell and Carnegie Mellon.

In a 2024 study of nearly adults, people who talked through their own conspiracy belief with the chatbot reported believing it about 20% less, on average. That shift held up two months later, even for people who started out holding their beliefs strongly.

What makes it work? Instead of offering generic fact-checks, the chatbot responds to each person’s own reasons with evidence tailored to them, in a tone that respects how they got there.

A new approach uses an innovative tool to convince people to abandon conspiracy beliefs: Artificial intelligence.

10/16/2026

As more families and teachers raise concerns about screens in classrooms, our own Kim Kopko, director of the BCTR's Parenting Project, joined CNYCentral.com to share what child development research can add to the conversation.

Kopko pointed to Los Angeles as an example where schools now keep screens away from the youngest students and introduce them gradually with age. She also urged schools to think about how kids are using screens, not just how long.

As students return to classrooms across Central New York with schoo...

10/14/2026

If you have a loved one in assisted living or a nursing home, this article from our Evidence-based Living blog on Psychology Today is worth a read.

Researchers in the BCTR, Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine found that in a single month, about 15% of assisted living residents experienced aggression from another resident. Nursing homes see similar rates, and residents with dementia are disproportionately involved.

The good news is that warning signs often show up early. We share what families and facilities can do, from individualized care plans to staff training in de-escalation.

Abuse between residents is common in long-term care facilities.

10/12/2026

Last week was National 4-H week. How familiar are you with 4-H and all it offers? New York State 4-H was on a recent edition of All Things Local from 607 News Now to give an overview of what 4-H can offer young people across the state.

Kate Supron's guest this week is Alexa Maille, NYS Director of 4H Youth Development.

09/25/2026

Head Start is facing its biggest proposed changes in nearly two decades. So what do children and families in the program need most?

Educators, researchers and policymakers took up that question at our Head Start and Early Childhood Education Summit in New York City, hosted with the NYS Council on Children and Families.

We heard that Head Start serves the whole family, not just the child in the classroom, and that this work has been largely overlooked by research. We heard that a proposed minimum three-hour classroom day could affect parents' ability to work or go to school if their program adopts it. And as local programs adapt to any new rules, researchers have a chance to learn who the program is working for and how.

Read our full recap!

09/20/2026

From the challenges Head Start faces to the opportunities ahead, our summit conversations were insightful and engaging. Thank you to our more than 100 attendees and to our speakers for taking the time to dig into where Head Start stands and what comes next.

We're also grateful to the NYS Council on Children and Families for co-sponsoring the summit. Look for a recap of the event on our website in the coming days.

09/03/2026

Registration for our Second Annual Head Start & Early Childhood Education Summit closes this Friday, September 4.

Join researchers, policymakers, and Head Start practitioners for a day of honest, evidence-based conversation, featuring keynote speaker Tyler Watts, a policy update from Tommy Sheridan, and a practice and policy panel with Chloe Gibbs, Alberta Conteh, and moderator Taryn Morrissey.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 570 Lexington Ave, 12th Floor, New York, NY
Free to attend, lunch provided.

https://bctr.cornell.edu/headstartsummit

09/01/2026

PRYDE Scholars kicked off the semester with a visit to the Great New York State Fair, where they got a firsthand look at how 4-H helps young people across the state learn, create and grow. 🍀🎯

Scholars from the Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement (PRYDE) explored projects created by 4-H youth, learned more about the skills and experiences they gain through the program and even got some hands-on instruction at the 4-H archery activity.

“At the fair, I noticed that the 4-H youth crafted creative projects based on how they see the natural world and you could truly see how 4-H allows youth to express themselves freely, thus creating such creative and informative art pieces. Very talented bunch!” said Janier James ’27.

Diya Singhal ’28 was surprised by the breadth of the experience for young people.

“I was really struck by the incredible range of projects 4-H youth take on, but even more so by how much they learn beyond the technical skills - from problem-solving and communication to confidence, responsibility, and independence.”

For PRYDE director Kristen Elmore, the annual visit gives scholars an opportunity to see youth development in action.

“In our trip to the Fair, PRYDE scholars see what 4-H programming really means for youth. We imagine what youth learn about themselves as they master the art of baking or raise a chicken from the moment it hatches,” she said. “This year scholars got hands on instruction from one of the 4-H program leaders at the Archery activity, and a couple students discovered a hidden talent!”

Photo Credit: Marilu Lopez-Fretts