This month, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Shuang Lu, Associate Professor in the School of Social Work, University of Central Florida.
- Can you write a couple sentences on some aspect of your career development: feel free to pick one or any other related question among these: a) what drew you to do work on Asians, Asian American children and youth, or another topic that is important to you now? b) who was an important mentor to you in this work, or an influential particular study in the field or in a related field? c) any particular advice or tips to someone starting out in the field who is doing work in your area?
As a social work scholar, my research centers on youth well-being and resilience in the context of family migration and socioeconomic adversity. I investigate how challenges like parent–child separation and post-migration stressors shape developmental outcomes, and I identify culturally specific resilience processes that buffer these risks. Using diverse methods – including mixed-methods analysis and randomized experiments – my work highlights the importance of cultural resources such as self-compassion, mindfulness, grandparental support, social services, and collective values in Asian societies and globally. For those beginning work in this field, my advice is to continue believing in the value of your work, and find a community – whether colleagues, peer researchers, family, or friends – as their support is invaluable during challenging times.
- A short paragraph describing a particular recent finding, current study, or recent publication and what makes you excited about it. Feel free to describe its importance from any one or more of these lenses: a) research contribution; b) our knowledge about Asian or Asian American populations; c) our knowledge about other [understudied?] populations; d) practice or policy relevance.
My recent research uses a strength-based lens to identify promotive factors that buffer youth against developmental risks. Our global meta-analysis found that informal care from grandparents has long-term mental health benefits comparable to parental care, underscoring the vital role of extended family support when parents are unavailable. In a national survey of China, our latent profile analysis revealed that self-compassion can mitigate the negative effects of family and community neglect on low-income children’s mental health. Using Photovoice with rural Chinese children, we found that grandparents’ multidimensional support – including cultural transmission and intergenerational solidarity –protects child well-being. These findings challenge risk-oriented views of disadvantaged families and illuminate context-specific resilience processes.
- Your reflections on your interactions with the Asian Caucus would be highly appreciated. Please feel free to share your thoughts, whether it’s a simple message for the Caucus community or more.
As a member of the Asian Caucus and the SRCD International Affairs Committee, I’m grateful for the support of colleagues dedicated to advancing cross-cultural perspectives in child development science. I’m proud to be part of this community.
- Any upcoming talks or presentations we should know about?
My two upcoming presentations at the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 2026 annual conference:
- Virtual reality-based digital resilience intervention for migrant adolescents: A pilot study (as presenter)
- Longitudinal risk and protective factors for digital addiction among adolescents: A multilevel meta-analysis (as co-author; presenter: Dr. Hui Hu)
- What is your preferred contact email?
- A weblink you prefer to share?
Bio: https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/person/shuang-lu/
Youth Well-being Lab: https://youthwellbeing.hku.hk/