Noelle Hurd

Professor of Psychology, Psychology

Bio & Overview

My overarching research interest is the promotion of healthy adolescent development among marginalized youth. Specifically, my work has focused on identifying opportunities to build on pre-existing strengths in youths’ lives, such as supportive intergenerational relationships. Using a resilience framework, I have assessed the potential of nonparental adults to serve as resources to marginalized youth, and I have investigated the processes through which these relationships affect a variety of youth outcomes (e.g., psychological distress, health-risk behaviors, academic achievement). In addition to exploring the role of supportive relationships in contributing to youth development, I also have researched the role of broader contextual factors (e.g., neighborhood characteristics) in shaping youth outcomes. Currently, I am investigating the role of contextual factors in promoting or deterring the formation of intergenerational relationships and shaping the nature of interactions between marginalized youth and the adults in their communities. I also am further examining the mechanisms that drive the promotive effects of natural mentoring relationships and developing an intervention focused on enhancing positive intergenerational relationships between adolescents and the nonparental adults in their everyday lives. I run the Promoting Healthy Adolescent Development (PHAD) Lab at the University of Virginia. https://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/PHAD_Lab/ UNLEASH (Undergraduate Research) We study factors that contribute to the healthy development of disadvantaged adolescents. Foci of the lab include the promotion of mental health, the prevention of healthrisk behaviors, and the encouragement of positive educational outcomes. In addition, we are interested in the development of skills that will help youth to be successful in life, such as leadership and interpersonal skills. One particular area of interest is the relationships that youth form with nonparental adults. Supportive adults in youths’ lives may help them to navigate and overcome challenges they face and encourage adolescents’ healthy development. Understanding how to promote these intergenerational relationships and the mechanisms through which these relationships may facilitate more positive youth outcomes are core areas of this lab’s research. Responsibilities for undergraduate researchers may include 1) conducting reviews of empirical articles, 2) survey administration both in the lab as well as in youths’ homes or schools, and 3) data management. It is important that RAs feel comfortable working with diverse populations. RAs will work closely with graduate students. In addition, RAs will also have opportunities to develop their own projects and present findings at conferences. Contact: Aly Ladd, [email protected]

Academic Information

Department: Psychology

Research Interests

Promoting Healthy Adolescent Development

Research Disciplines

Psychology

Selected Publications

2024

Hurd, N. M. (2024). Promoting Positive Development Among Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Youth: Advancing a Novel Model of Natural Mentoring.. Annual review of clinical psychology, 20(1), 259-284. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080822-045011

Charity-Parker, B. M., Billingsley, J. T., Deutsch, N. L., & Hurd, N. M. (2024). A mixed-methods exploration of autonomy-supportive parenting, confidence, and natural mentoring relationships among Black adolescents. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE. doi:10.1111/jora.12970

2023

Hurd, N. M., Brence, M., & Armstrong, C. (2023). Youth advancing anti-racism in the 2020s. CURRENT OPINION IN PSYCHOLOGY, 52. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101612

Hurd, N. M., & Young, A. S. (2023). Introduction to the Special Issue: Advancing Racial Justice in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, 52(3), 311-327. doi:10.1080/15374416.2023.2202255

Freire, D. S., & Hurd, N. M. (2023). Discrimination and Mental Health Outcomes Among Underrepresented College Students: The Role of Sense of Belonging at Predominantly White Institutions. EMERGING ADULTHOOD, 11(3), 654-668. doi:10.1177/21676968231166967

Albright, J. N., & Hurd, N. M. (2023). Activism, Social Support, and Trump-Related Distress: Exploring Associations With Mental Health. JOURNAL OF DIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION, 16(1), 1-12. doi:10.1037/dhe0000316

2022

Cooper, S. M., Hurd, N. M., & Loyd, A. B. (2022). Advancing scholarship on anti-racism within developmental science: Reflections on the special section and recommendations for future research. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 93(3), 619-632. doi:10.1111/cdev.13783

2021

Albright, J. N., & Hurd, N. M. (2021). Associations between emotional responses to the: Trump presidency and activism among underrepresented college students. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 49(7), 2298-2315. doi:10.1002/jcop.22655

Hurd, N. M., Trawalter, S., Jakubow, A., Johnson, H. E., & Billingsley, J. T. (2022). Online Racial Discrimination and the Role of White Bystanders. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST, 77(1), 39-55. doi:10.1037/amp0000603

2020

Negrete, A., & Hurd, N. M. (2021). System-Justifying Beliefs and Trajectories of Global Self-Worth Among Black and Latinx College Students. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY, 27(2), 227-233. doi:10.1037/cdp0000334

2019

Albright, J. N., & Hurd, N. M. (2020). Marginalized Identities, Trump-Related Distress, and the Mental Health of Underrepresented College Students. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 65(3-4), 381-396. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12407

Stoddard, S. A., Pierce, J., Hurd, N. M., Bauermeister, J. A., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2019). Purpose and mastery as predictors of perceived health and substance use problems. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 47(6), 1514-1529. doi:10.1002/jcop.22200

Hope, M. O., Lee, D. B., Hsieh, H. -F., Hurd, N. M., Sparks, H. L., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2019). Violence Exposure and Sexual Risk Behaviors for African American Adolescent Girls: The Protective Role of Natural Mentorship and Organizational Religious Involvement. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 64(1-2), 242-255. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12341

Wittrup, A., & Hurd, N. (2021). Extracurricular Involvement, Homesickness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Underrepresented College Students. EMERGING ADULTHOOD, 9(2), 158-169. doi:10.1177/2167696819847333

Varner, F., Hou, Y., Ross, L., Hurd, N. M., & Mattis, J. (2020). Dealing With Discrimination: Parents' and Adolescents' Racial Discrimination Experiences and Parenting in African American Families. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY, 26(2), 215-220. doi:10.1037/cdp0000281

Billingsley, J. T., & Hurd, N. M. (2019). Discrimination, mental health and academic performance among underrepresented college students: the role of extracurricular activities at predominantly white institutions. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION, 22(2), 421-446. doi:10.1007/s11218-019-09484-8

2018

Raposa, E. B., & Hurd, N. M. (2021). Understanding networks of natural mentoring support among underrepresented college students. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, 25(1), 38-50. doi:10.1080/10888691.2018.1526635

Hurd, N., & Deutsch, N.. (2018). The state of the science on interventions: Out of school settings. Future of Children. Reducing Justice System Inequality, 28(1). Retrieved from https://futureofchildren.princeton.edu/publications

Negrete, A., Griffith, A. N., & Hurd, N. M. (2018). Factors contributing to the retention of natural mentors among underrepresented students across the first year of college. MENTORING & TUTORING, 26(1), 70-90. doi:10.1080/13611267.2018.1445434

2017

Hurd, N. M., Albright, J., Wittrup, A., Negrete, A., & Billingsley, J. (2018). Appraisal Support from Natural Mentors, Self-worth, and Psychological Distress: Examining the Experiences of Underrepresented Students Transitioning Through College. JOURNAL OF YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE, 47(5), 1100-1112. doi:10.1007/s10964-017-0798-x

Tan, J. S., Hurd, N. M., & Albright, J. N. (2019). Attachment, Appraisal Support, and the Transition to College Among Underrepresented Students. EMERGING ADULTHOOD, 7(1), 52-58. doi:10.1177/2167696817745454

Griffith, A. N., Hurd, N. M., & Hussain, S. B. (2019). "I Didn't Come to School for This": A Qualitative Examination of Experiences With Race-Related Stressors and Coping Responses Among Black Students Attending a Predominantly White Institution. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH, 34(2), 115-139. doi:10.1177/0743558417742983

Varner, F. A., Hou, Y., Hodzic, T., Hurd, N. M., Butler-Barnes, S. T., & Rowley, S. J. (2018). Racial Discrimination Experiences and African American Youth Adjustment: The Role of Parenting Profiles Based on Racial Socialization and Involved-Vigilant Parenting. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY, 24(2), 173-186. doi:10.1037/cdp0000180

Sanchez, B., Hurd, N. M., Neblett, E. W., & Vaclavik, D. (2018). Mentoring for Black Male Youth: A Systematic Review of the Research. ADOLESCENT RESEARCH REVIEW, 3(3), 259-278. doi:10.1007/s40894-017-0074-z

Albright, J. N., Hurd, N. M., & Hussain, S. B. (2017). Applying a Social Justice Lens to Youth Mentoring: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 59(3-4), 363-381. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12143

Albright, J. N., & Hurd, N. M. (2018). Constellations of social support among underrepresented college students: Associations with mental health. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, 22(4), 258-269. doi:10.1080/10888691.2017.1287568

Loeb, E., & Hurd, N. M. (2019). Subjective Social Status, Perceived Academic Competence, and Academic Achievement Among Underrepresented Students. JOURNAL OF COLLEGE STUDENT RETENTION-RESEARCH THEORY & PRACTICE, 21(2), 150-165. doi:10.1177/1521025117696821

Hurd, N., & Deutsch, N. (2017). SEL-Focused After-School Programs. FUTURE OF CHILDREN, 27(1), 95-115. doi:10.1353/foc.2017.0005

2016

Wittrup, A. R., Hussain, S. B., Albright, J. N., Hurd, N. M., Varner, F. A., & Mattis, J. S. (2019). Natural Mentors, Racial Pride, and Academic Engagement Among Black Adolescents Resilience in the Context of Perceived Discrimination. YOUTH & SOCIETY, 51(4), 463-483. doi:10.1177/0044118X16680546

Hurd, N. M., Tan, J. S., & Loeb, E. L. (2016). Natural Mentoring Relationships and the Adjustment to College among Underrepresented Students. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 57(3-4), 330-341. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12059

Hurd, N., & Zimmerman, M. (2019). Adolescent Resilience: Promoting More Positive Outcomes Among Youth at Risk of Using and Abusing Substances. Unknown Journal, 504-528. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199735662.013.016

2015

Hurd, N. M., Hussain, S., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2018). School Disorder, School Connectedness, and Psychosocial Outcomes: Moderation by a Supportive Figure in the School. YOUTH & SOCIETY, 50(3), 328-350. doi:10.1177/0044118X15598029

2014

Hurd, N. M., Varner, F. A., Caldwell, C. H., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2014). Does Perceived Racial Discrimination Predict Changes in Psychological Distress and Substance Use Over Time? An Examination Among Black Emerging Adults. DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, 50(7), 1910-1918. doi:10.1037/a0036438

Hurd, N. M., Stoddard, S. A., Bauermeister, J. A., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2014). Natural Mentors, Mental Health, and Substance Use: Exploring Pathways via Coping and Purpose. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, 84(2), 190-200. doi:10.1037/h0099361

2013

Hurd, N. M., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2014). An Analysis of Natural Mentoring Relationship Profiles and Associations with Mentees' Mental Health: Considering Links via Support from Important Others. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 53(1-2), 25-36. doi:10.1007/s10464-013-9598-y

Butler-Barnes, S. T., Chavous, T. M., Hurd, N., & Varner, F. (2013). African American Adolescents' Academic Persistence: A Strengths-Based Approach. JOURNAL OF YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE, 42(9), 1443-1458. doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9962-0

Hurd, N. M., & Sellers, R. M. (2013). Black Adolescents' Relationships With Natural Mentors: Associations With Academic Engagement via Social and Emotional Development. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY, 19(1), 76-85. doi:10.1037/a0031095

2012

Hurd, N. M., Stoddard, S. A., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2013). Neighborhoods, Social Support, and African American Adolescents' Mental Health Outcomes: A Multilevel Path Analysis. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 84(3), 858-874. doi:10.1111/cdev.12018

Ford, K. R., Hurd, N. M., Jagers, R. J., & Sellers, R. M. (2013). Caregiver Experiences of Discrimination and African American Adolescents' Psychological Health Over Time. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 84(2), 485-499. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2012.01864.x

Hurd, N. M., Varner, F. A., & Rowley, S. J. (2013). Involved-Vigilant Parenting and Socio-Emotional Well-being Among Black Youth: The Moderating Influence of Natural Mentoring Relationships. JOURNAL OF YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE, 42(10), 1583-1595. doi:10.1007/s10964-012-9819-y

Hurd, N. M., Sellers, R. M., Cogburn, C. D., Butler-Barnes, S. T., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2013). Racial Identity and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Emerging Adults: The Moderating Effects of Neighborhood Racial Composition. DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, 49(5), 938-950. doi:10.1037/a0028826