Research Interests

Ms. Watts’ research has focused on preventive intervention approaches aimed at reducing violence, substance use, and HIV/AIDS risk among urban African American youth.  She is currently working on a manuscript that examines the extent to which specific risk and protective factors predict youth involvement in risky sexual behaviors.  In addition, she is working on a manuscript that examines the impact of case management on meeting the service needs of urban African American families.  Through her research experiences at the SRC, she has developed an awareness of the obstacles to successful living facing many urban African American youth and adults.

Beyond her immediate research work at the SRC, Ms. Watts also conducted a study designed to assess the influence of news media on perceived fear.  Her findings indicated a relationship between level of exposure to news media and perceived fear of negative events displayed in the media.  She presented these findings at the Annual Psychology Research Conference at Rowan University in 2006.

Selected Publications

Carswell, S. B., Hanlon, T. E., O'Grady, K. E., Watts, A., & Pothong, P. (in press).  A preventive intervention program for urban African American youth attending an alternative education program:  Background, implementation, and feasibility.  Education and Treatment of Children.