My Research

My research uses longitudinal methods to understand the developmental consequences of childhood adversities across the lifespan, with particular attention to how the type and timing of adversities shape later outcomes. At the same time, I examine protective processes in home and school settings that foster resilience and promote the development and well-being of children and families in disadvantaged communities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. My upbringing in Vietnam has grounded my commitment to conducting evidence-based research in this context that not only advances developmental science but also informs interventions and policies to better support children, their families, and their communities.

Selected Works on Childhood Adversities and Development across the Lifespan:

• Do, H. & Widom, C.S. (2024). Childhood Maltreatment, Social Connectedness, and Depression: A Prospective Analysis of Trajectories over Time. Developmental Psychology, 61 (4), 777–794. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001836.

• Widom, C.S., Do, H., Miller, Q.C., Javakhishvili, M., Indik, C.E., & Belsky, D.W. (2024). Childhood Maltreatment and Biological Aging in Middle Adulthood: The Role of Psychiatric Symptoms. Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science, 4 (5), 100341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100341.

• Widom, C.S., Courtney, K., & Do, H. (2024). Pathways to Homelessness: Childhood Maltreatment and Psychiatric Symptoms Increase Risk of Homelessness. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 181 (12), 1103-1111. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230649.

• Do, H., Fu, Y., Appiah, R., Avornyo, E.A., Aurino, E., & Wolf, S. (Under Review). Cumulative Exposure to Harsh Discipline at Home and School on Child Development: Evidence from Ghana. Developmental Science.

• Do, H., Suntheimer, N.M., Smith, A.D.A.C., Dunn, E.C., Aurino, E., & Wolf, S. (In Preparation). Accumulation and Sensitive Periods of Childhood Adversity on Adolescent Development in Ghana.

Selected Works on Protective Processes of Home and School Environments on Child Development:

• Do, H. & McCoy, D.C. (2025). The Relations between Caregiver Education, Home Stimulation, and Children’s Developmental Outcomes: Research in Majority World Countries. International Journal of Early Childhood, 57 (1), 295-318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-024-00398-x.

• Do, H., Aurino, E., & Wolf, S. (Under Review). Child Development Post-COVID-19 School Closures in Ghana: The Roles of Remote Learning Experience. International Journal of Educational Development.

For the full list of my works and previous experiences, please visit my CV. If you have trouble accessing any published article, please contact me and I would be happy to send it to you.