Andrea Hussong

Andrea Hussong is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she has been faculty in the Department of Psychology since 1997. A licensed Clinical Psychologist and Developmental Scientist, she directs the Family and Youth Development Lab (FJCoLab) focusing on translating developmental science into practical family interventions.

Her research spans two major domains: developmental pathways to substance use disorders (particularly among children of drug-involved parents) and positive youth development with emphasis on gratitude development in children. She employs innovative longitudinal data analysis methods and integrative data analysis approaches. Recent work examines pandemic impacts on youth substance use, parent-child digital communication, and gratitude interventions.

Hussong's publications reveal strong trends in applying developmental science to real-world problems, with increasing focus on positive development rather than solely risk pathways. Her work bridges clinical, developmental, and quantitative traditions with practical applications for family interventions.

She actively mentors trainees at all levels and teaches undergraduate courses including Adolescent Development and Creating Digital Tools for Positive Youth Development. Her lab (FJCoLab) develops evidence-based tools to support families raising grateful children and coping with parental addiction.