The research we built on
The classic works and recent studies behind Reach Your Kid, and where each one shows up in the program.
Classic works on listening and parenting
Active Listening
Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1957). Industrial Relations Center, University of Chicago.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 2.
Open linkwww.gordontraining.com
Parent Effectiveness Training
Gordon, T. (1962). Gordon Training International.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 2.
Open linkwww.gordontraining.com
Research on adolescent development and parent-child communication
Gen Zers to Their Parents: When We Are Upset, Just Listen
Walton Family Foundation & Gallup (2024).
In the program: this website and our emails.
Open linknews.gallup.com
A neurodevelopmental shift in reward circuitry from mother's to nonfamilial voices in adolescence
Abrams, D. A., Mistry, P. K., Baker, A. E., Padmanabhan, A., & Menon, V. (2022). Journal of Neuroscience, 42(20), 4164–4173.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 1.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2018-21.2022
Associations between screen time use and health outcomes among US teenagers
Zablotsky, B., Ng, A. E., Black, L. I., Haile, G., Bose, J., Jones, J. R., & Blumberg, S. J. (2025). Preventing Chronic Disease, 22, 240537.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 1.
Open linkdoi.org/10.5888/pcd22.240537
A time of change: Behavioral and neural correlates of adolescent sensitivity to appetitive and aversive environmental cues
Somerville, L. H., Jones, R. M., & Casey, B. J. (2010). Brain and Cognition, 72(1), 124–133.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 6.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2009.07.003
Research behind the techniques
Wait time: Slowing down may be a way of speeding up!
Rowe, M. B. (1986). Journal of Teacher Education, 37(1), 43–50.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 5, the five-second rule.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1177/002248718603700110
Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli
Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428.
Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling as implicit emotion regulation
Torre, J. B., & Lieberman, M. D. (2018). Emotion Review, 10(2), 116–124.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 6.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x
Open linkdoi.org/10.1177/1754073917742706
Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69–119.
In the program: the "next time" step in every Loop Session and in the practice cards.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38002-1
Setting limits on children's behavior: The differential effects of controlling vs. informational styles on intrinsic motivation and creativity
Koestner, R., Ryan, R. M., Bernieri, F., & Holt, K. (1984). Journal of Personality, 52(3), 233–248.
In the program: the Audio Guide, chapter 8.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1984.tb00879.x
Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal
Balban, M. Y., Neri, E., Kogon, M. M., Weed, L., Nouriani, B., Jo, B., Holl, G., Zeitzer, J. M., Spiegel, D., & Huberman, A. D. (2023). Cell Reports Medicine, 4(1), 100895.
In the program: Moment Audio, Before the big talk.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895
Effects of voluntary slow breathing on heart rate and heart rate variability: A systematic review and a meta-analysis
Laborde, S., Allen, M. S., Borges, U., Dosseville, F., Hosang, T. J., Iskra, M., Mosley, E., Salvotti, C., Spolverato, L., Zammit, N., & Javelle, F. (2022). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 138, 104711.
In the program: Moment Audio, Before the big talk.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104711
Alliance rupture repair: A meta-analysis
Eubanks, C. F., Muran, J. C., & Safran, J. D. (2018). Psychotherapy, 55(4), 508–519.
In the program: Moment Audio, After the blow-up.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1037/pst0000185
An exploration of the structure of effective apologies
Lewicki, R. J., Polin, B., & Lount, R. B., Jr. (2016). Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, 9(2), 177–196.
In the program: Moment Audio, After the blow-up.
Open linkdoi.org/10.1111/ncmr.12073
Last reviewed: October 2026
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