Anna Hochgraf

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Science

Areas of Expertise

Research expertise: youth development, body image, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, substance use, maladaptive eating behavior, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, family processes, prevention science
Methodological Expertise: longitudinal studies, intensive longitudinal studies
Statistical Expertise: multilevel models (MLM), time-varying effect models (TVEM), latent class analysis (LCA), structural equation models (SEM), random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM), thematic analysis

HHS Signature Research Area(s)

Developmental Health and Wellness

Department of Human Development and Family Science Research Area(s)

Culture and Diversity
Health and Well-Being
Interpersonal Relations

Biography

I study the development and prevention of psychological and behavioral health problems among youth with attention to family and sociocultural contexts. My research reveals how individual and family risk and protective factors intersect to shape youth development and the implications of health problems for individual and family wellbeing. The overarching goal of my research is to advance prevention programs that help youth and families thrive.

Accepting graduate student applications for the December 2026 deadline.

Education

Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University
M.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University
B.A., Psychology and Public Health, College of William and Mary

Current Courses

HDFS 613 - Quantitative Methods I: Inferential Statistics and ANOVA
HDFS 332 - Stress & Coping in Contemporary Families