Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Office: 263 Spidle Hall
Phone: (334) 844-3234
adlerfr@auburn.edu
Ph.D., University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1999.

Research Interests
I use an ecological systems perspective in the study of family dynamics and outcomes for individuals. This approach considers the interaction of multiple factors at different levels when studying phenomena and explaining variations in outcomes. A systems approach also considers influences between individuals and between systems (i.e., spillover effects). I am interested in the study of resiliency in at-risk family contexts; therefore, I have been involved in research on low-resource families, post-divorce families and stepfamilies, military families, and physically abusive families. My current applied research is focused on the assessment of relationship and marriage education programs targeting a broad population of couples, adult singles, and youth. I use a participatory, action research approach that incorporates the use of ecocultural theory. Simultaneously I maintain a basic research agenda that currently centers primarily on stepfamily experiences, with an emphasis on the experiences of low-income stepfamilies, Latino stepfamilies, and African American stepfamilies.

Selected Publications

Adler-Baeder., F., Kerpelman, J., Higginbotham, B.,* Schramm, D., & Paulk, A. (2007). The impact of relationship education on adolescents from diverse backgrounds. Family Relations, 56. 291-303.

Adler-Baeder, F., Shirer, K., & Bradford., A. (2007). What's love got to do with it? The role of healthy couple relationships and marriages in promoting child, family, and community well-being. Forum for Family and Consumer Issues. (12/1).

Adler-Baeder, F., Pittman, J., &Taylor, L. (2006). The prevalence of marital transitions among military families. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 44(1). 91-106.

Adler-Baeder, F., Higginbotham, B., & Lamke, L. (2004). Putting empirical knowledge to work: Linking research and programming focused on marital quality. Family Relations, 53. 537-546.

Adler-Baeder, F. & Higginbotham, B. (2004). The implications of remarriage and stepfamily formation for marriage education. Family Relations, 53. 448-458.

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