Advances in technology and statistical methods are finally catching up to family theory. This symposium showcases the utility, flexibility, and innovation possible through intensive longitudinal methods, such as daily diary designs. The first study assessed levels and day-to-day variability of family cohesion and conflict and identified family subgroups that predict adolescent psychopathology outcomes. The second study focuses on reciprocal influences in parent and youth stress physiology through an innovative application of daily cortisol assessments. The third study chronicled parent and adolescent sleep routines in terms of bedtimes and waketimes, examining parenting practices as shaping these school rhythms in family sleep patterns across days. Discussion will focus on how these methods can push family science forward, offering new in-roads to scientific rigor.

Objectives

To evaluate family systems dynamics that impact youth development and well-beingTo examine reciprocal processes in parent and adolescent stress physiologyTo characterize patterns in parent and adolescent sleep and evaluate the role of parenting practices in shaping these patternsTo showcase the versatility and utility of daily diary methods for family science