Human Development and Family Studies | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Two people sitting on a couch next to each other, but not looking at or engaging with each other

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

People with PTSD are known to have difficulty resolving relationship difficulties with their romantic partners. Some of these problems stem from people’s fear of their emotions, according to a new study led by Steffany Fredman.

Illustration: A mother sleeping in bed while a father happily holds a baby

Q&A: Why sleep might be the best Mother’s Day gift

Doug Teti, distinguished professor of human development and family studies, recently discussed why sleep is so important for moms’ parenting quality and how dads, partners, and family can help moms get better sleep.

Julia Hollowell named HDFS Student Marshal

Julia was a student leader for Springfield Benefitting THON, the Public Health Club, and the Triota Honors Society for Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies at Penn State. She was also an organizer and volunteer for voter education and registration initiatives on campus. Congrats, Julia!

See all program marshals

Kenya Crawford, 2015 graduate of HDFS, receives 2025 Alumni Achievement Award

“While I am deeply grateful to receive this recognition for my work in mental health, racial equity and entrepreneurship, I am most proud to give back to Penn State," Crawford said. "Penn State poured into me in ways that I will forever be grateful for, so this award is a reminder that with dedicated care, support and belief, the possibilities are endless.”

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

People with PTSD are known to have difficulty resolving relationship difficulties with their romantic partners. Some of these problems stem from people’s fear of their emotions, according to a new study led by Steffany Fredman.

Q&A: Why sleep might be the best Mother’s Day gift

Doug Teti, distinguished professor of human development and family studies, recently discussed why sleep is so important for moms’ parenting quality and how dads, partners, and family can help moms get better sleep.

Julia Hollowell named HDFS Student Marshal

Julia was a student leader for Springfield Benefitting THON, the Public Health Club, and the Triota Honors Society for Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies at Penn State. She was also an organizer and volunteer for voter education and registration initiatives on campus. Congrats, Julia!

See all program marshals

Kenya Crawford, 2015 graduate of HDFS, receives 2025 Alumni Achievement Award

“While I am deeply grateful to receive this recognition for my work in mental health, racial equity and entrepreneurship, I am most proud to give back to Penn State," Crawford said. "Penn State poured into me in ways that I will forever be grateful for, so this award is a reminder that with dedicated care, support and belief, the possibilities are endless.”

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

People with PTSD are known to have difficulty resolving relationship difficulties with their romantic partners. Some of these problems stem from people’s fear of their emotions, according to a new study led by Steffany Fredman.

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

Q&A: Why sleep might be the best Mother’s Day gift

Julia Hollowell named HDFS Student Marshal

Kenya Crawford, 2015 graduate of HDFS, receives 2025 Alumni Achievement Award

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

Q&A: Why sleep might be the best Mother’s Day gift

Julia Hollowell named HDFS Student Marshal

Kenya Crawford, 2015 graduate of HDFS, receives 2025 Alumni Achievement Award

Research: PTSD and fear of emotions

Start your undergraduate journey

Start your undergraduate journey

Learn about graduate training

Learn about graduate training

Explore HDFS research areas

Explore HDFS research areas

Engage in HDFS diversity initiatives

Engage in HDFS diversity initiatives

Relationship closeness for couples in which one partner is dealing with chronic back pain may have both positive and negative effects, according to a new study from researchers in human development and family studies.