About the Division

Overview

The Division of Health Behavior Research is focused on evaluating, preventing, and promoting a range of health behaviors (e.g., tobacco/substance use, nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness) that are associated with chronic and infectious diseases, with special emphasis on youth/young adults and health disparities populations.

Division Chief

In the Division of Health Behavior Research, our research has real-world impact on changing policies, programs, and behaviors that prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, addiction, and mental health challenges in our communities. By understanding what influences our health behaviors, we can design better interventions to change them.

Genevieve Dunton, PhD, MPH
Division Chief
Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences & Psychology
Email: dunton@usc.edu
Phone: (323)422-8224
Genevieve Dunton, PhD, MPH

Research Goals and Specialization

Research in the division spans several cross-cutting areas of focus. Our work seeks to understand the epidemiology, determinants, and consequences of health risk behaviors; develop and test health behavior intervention; and disseminate programs and influence policies related to health behavior change and prevention.