Research Interests
developmental psychopathology; depression; stress and emotion; adolescent development; family and peer relationships
Research Description
The overall goal of Dr. Rudolph’s research is to identify risk and protective processes that amplify or attenuate vulnerability to psychopathology across development, with a focus on adolescence as a stage of particular sensitivity. Her research uses a multi-level, multi-method approach that considers how personal attributes of youth (e.g., gender, temperament, emotion regulation, social motivation, coping, neuroendocrine profiles, neural processing), development (e.g., pubertal timing, social transitions), and contexts (e.g., early adversity, stressors, family and peer relationships) intersect to contribute to the development of psychopathology, particularly depression and suicide. This research aims to understand both the origins and consequences of individual differences in risk. A variety of methodological approaches are used, including longitudinal survey-based research, interviews, behavior observations, experimental tasks, hormone assessments, and fMRI. Recent work also involves the development of a prevention program for adolescent depression.
Education
Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles
Additional Campus Affiliations
Professor, Psychology
Professor, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
Affiliate, Center for Social & Behavioral Science
External Links
Recent Publications
Clayton, M. G., Cole, S. W., Giletta, M., Hastings, P. D., Nock, M. K., Rudolph, K. D., Slavich, G. M., & Prinstein, M. J. (2025). Proinflammatory gene expression is associated with prospective risk for adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors over twelve months. Development and psychopathology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095457942400186X
Davis, M. M., Surabhi, D. M., Telzer, E. H., & Rudolph, K. D. (2025). Risk for Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents with a History of Adversity: Unique Role of Stress Appraisals. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 56(1), 166-176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01538-5
Rudolph, K. D., Troop-Gordon, W., Skymba, H. V., Modi, H. H., Ye, Z., Clapham, R. B., Dodson, J., Finnegan, M., & Heller, W. (2025). Cultivating emotional resilience in adolescent girls: Effects of a growth emotion mindset lesson. Child development, 96(1), 389-406. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14175
Yeo, G., Fortuna, K. L., Lansford, J. E., & Rudolph, K. D. (2025). The effects of digital peer support interventions on physical and mental health: a review and meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34, Article e9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796024000854
Clapham, R. B., Ye, Z., Somerville, L. H., Miller, A. B., Giletta, M., Hastings, P. D., Slavich, G. M., Nock, M. K., Prinstein, M. J., & Rudolph, K. D. (2024). Risk and Protective Effects of Need for Approval on Self-Injury in Adolescent Girls. Child Psychiatry and Human Development. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01779-y