Right Track

About

The RIGHT Track Project is a collaborative effort of the Kinesiology, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, and Nutrition departments, allowing the study to look at outcomes from a cross-disciplinary perspective.

The team explores how self-regulation, our ability to manage our emotions and behaviors appropriately, in childhood impacts development in adolescents and young adults.

Ultimately, the goal is to develop prevention and intervention strategies that help people become better self-regulators and minimize poor health outcomes. This work could not be done without the help and cooperation of all the families involved with the project. Their participation is greatly appreciated.

About 450 families with 2-year-old children were enrolled in the study. These participants now range from late teens to early twenties. Their development has been evaluated in the home, school, and laboratory context, giving the study a well-rounded picture of their overall functioning.

In 2014, Dr. Laurie Wideman joined Dr. Calkins, Dr. Keane, and former UNCG Professor Dr. Lilly Shanahan to focus on health outcomes as a new goal for RIGHT Track. UNCG researchers Dr. Lenka Shriver and Dr. Jessica Dollar have also joined the project.

Image of Doctor Calkins administering cognitive task to child

“Being able to manage emotions is critical for academic achievement, school readiness, and mental health.”

Dr. Susan Calkins
Image of Doctor Wideman administering task

“We have to help our kids be better self-regulators. It will look different for every child, but parents should be aware of this. It’s important that we start to pattern healthy habits for our kids.”

Dr. Laurie Wideman