What is The SEA Project? 

The SEA Project is an important study of the social networks of adolescents and emerging adults, in general, and the influence of siblings, in particular. It is designed to provide critically needed information about the adjustment of individuals as they make the transition into emerging adulthood. The focus of the study is on the effects of social support in relation to stresses that often accompany the transition into late adolescence and early adulthood.


What organizations are associated with the project? 

The project involves educators and researchers at Kutztown University. Additionally, the project has a distinguished panel of local and national advisors concerned with issues related to the developmental functions of social networks. 


Who participates in the study and what are they asked to do? 

Participants include students in the 9th and 11th grade at Parkland high school in Allentown, Pennsylvania and  undergraduate and graduate students at a small Northeastern University. These students are being asked to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their social network.


Is participation voluntary and is study information confidential? 

Yes, absolutely! Students are free to choose whether to participate and student consent is required for student participation. Those who agree to participate do not have to answer any questions that they do not wish to answer. All information gathered in the study is strictly confidential. No information will be provided to anyone about individual participants!


Why is this study important? 

There have been numerous studies designed to assess the social network of children. Additionally, the importance of the social network on older adults has been examined in several studies.  However, the structure and function of the social network of older adolescents and emerging adults has received little attention in theoretical and empirical investigations. Additionally, even less is known about the influence of friends and siblings on adolescents and emerging adulthood.  The information that participants offer about their experiences, as they leave behind the security and comfort of the adolescent years and venture into their role as an emerging adult, will be very helpful to researchers, educators, and other professionals concerned with ensuring the successful transition into the adult years.