Timothy Piehler

Research & Discovery

My program of research seeks to improve the prevention of conduct problems and substance use in youth through developing better targeted and tailored programming. In order to do this, I study two primary areas of youth and family response to prevention programming:

1)    How does prevention programming work? I study the mechanisms through which programming reduces risk for conduct problems and substance use.

2)    For whom does prevention programming work? My research focuses on better understanding variability in response to different prevention approaches. I study individual and family characteristics that predict who is most likely to benefit from different types of programming. 

In investigating factors related to response, my work has a translational emphasis through the incorporation of findings from basic science (e.g., cognitive neuroscience) into applied prevention research. I also has a strong interest in research methodology and apply advanced quantitative methods and innovative experimental and intervention designs in my research. 

What Students Can Expect From Me

Students can expect a dedicated and supportive mentor and teacher. As an instructor, I aim to create an engaging and interactive classroom. I strive to connect classroom content to “real world” applications and encourage critical thinking about each topic. As a graduate student mentor, I utilize a developmental model to help students develop competence in the research process and other areas of their professional development. Students have opportunities to be involved in all aspects of my research, from developing project ideas, engaging with community partners, collecting data from youth and families, to analyzing data and preparing manuscripts for publication. 

Teaching & Learning

FSoS 2105: Methods in Family Research

FSoS 4104: Family Psychology

FSoS 5014: Quantitative Family Research Methods I

FSoS 5702/PREV 8002: Prevention Science Research Methodology

In the News

"Piehler honored by Council of Graduate Students" 

"FSOS research project will explore impact of global pandemic on families" 

"FSoS Assistant Professor to lead initiative to support gender-nonconforming youth" 

"FSOS professor receives Jump Start project award" 

Circle of Power, CEHD Connect 

"In his own words – professor expresses gratitude and shares impact" 

An ounce of prevention, with a focus on families, CEHD Connect

"Family Social Science assistant professor’s project awarded seed grant" 

"Piehler awarded Grant-in-Aid" 

Honors & Awards

University of Minnesota Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Outstanding Advisor Award, 2020

Women's Philanthropic Leadership Circle Rising Star Faculty Award, 2019

New Career Excellence Award, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 2018

Top 50 Reviewer, Family Relations, 2015, 2016

Child Intervention, Prevention, and Services (CHIPS) Fellowship, NIMH, 2011 – 2012

Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral National Research Service Award, NIDA, 2007 – 2008

Graduate School Research Award, University of Oregon, 2007

Select Publications

See CV for complete list

1. Piehler, T. F., Distefano, R., Ausherbauer, K., Bloomquist, M., L., Almy, B., & August, G. J. (2019). Self-regulatory profiles and conduct problems in youth referred to juvenile diversion. Journal of Research on Adolescence. doi:10.1111/jora.12530
2. Chesmore, A. A., Piehler, T. F., & Gewirtz, A. H. (2018). PTSD as a moderator of a parenting intervention for military families. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(1), 123 – 133. doi:10.1037/fam0000366
3. August, G. J., Piehler, T. F., & Miller, F. G. (2018). Getting "SMART" about implementing multi-tiered systems of support to prevent school-based behavioral problems. Journal of School Psychology, 66, 85 – 96. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2017.10.001  
4. Piehler, T. F., Ausherbauer, K., Gewirtz, A. H. & Gliske, K. (2018). Improving child peer adjustment in military families through parent training: The mediational role of parental locus of control. Journal of Early Adolescence, 38(9), 1322 – 1343. doi:10.1177/0272431616678990
5. Holtrop, K., Piehler, T. F., Gewirtz, A. H., & August, G. J. (2017). Observed parenting in families exposed to homelessness: Child and parent characteristics as predictors of response to the Early Risers intervention. In M. E. Haskett (Ed.) Child and Family Well-Being and Homelessness: Integrating Research into Practice and Policy (pp. 27 – 48). New York, NY: Springer Publishing.
6. Piehler, T. F., & Winters, K. C. (2017). Decision-making style and response to parental involvement in brief interventions for adolescent substance use. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(3), 336–346. doi:10.1037/fam0000266
7. Piehler, T. F., & Winters, K. C. (2015). Parental involvement in brief interventions for adolescent marijuana use. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29, 512-521. doi:10.1037/adb0000106
8. August, G. J., Piehler, T. F., & Bloomquist, M. L. (2014). Being “SMART” about adolescent conduct problems prevention: Executing a SMART pilot study in a juvenile diversion agency. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. doi:10.1080/15374416.2014.945212
9. Piehler, T. F., Lee, S. S., Bloomquist, M. L., & August, G. J. (2014). Moderating effects of parental well-being on parenting efficacy outcomes by intervention delivery mode of the Early Risers Conduct Problems Prevention Program. Journal of Primary Prevention, 35, 321 – 337. doi:10.1007/s10935-014-0358-z
10. Piehler, T. F., & Dishion, T. J. (2014). Dyadic coregulation and deviant talk in adolescent friendships: Interaction patterns associated with problematic substance use in early adulthood. Developmental Psychology, 50, 1160–1169. doi:10.1037/a0034698
11. Piehler, T. F., Bloomquist, M. L., August, G. J., Gewirtz, A. H., Lee, S. S., & Lee, W. S. C. (2014). Executive functioning as a mediator of conduct problems prevention in children of homeless families residing in temporary supportive housing: A parallel process latent growth modeling approach. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 5, 681–692. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9816-y