Below are selected publications and presentations from the Grandfamilies Lab.  You may view the complete listing and more information on Research Gate.

Grant Funding:

  • Innovative MSU Cares – Preventing and Responding to Mississippi Youth Suicide. Awarded by SAMHSA, 2019. Role: Program Evaluator. Status: Funded, $1,678,552.
  • Bridges to the Baccalaureate (R25). Awarded by NIH, 2019. Role: Mentor to Undergraduate Students. Status: Funded, $300,000 per year.
  • The Grandfamilies Support Group of Starkville, MS. Awarded by the Brookdale Foundation, 2017. Role: Primary Investigator. Status: Funded, $10,000 (and eligible for $5,000 renewal).
  • Counting your blessings: Improving mental health outcomes through gratitude training in a custodial grandchild population. Awarded by the Mississippi State University Cross-College Research Grant Program, 2017. Role: Primary Investigator. Status: Funded, $2,000.
  • Predicting child safety: The effect of custodial grandparents’ depression, home safety knowledge, and gender. $950.00 awarded by the Department of Psychology Research Fund, West Virginia University, 2010.
  • Predicting child safety: The effect of custodial grandparents’ depression, home safety knowledge, and gender. $800.00 awarded by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Doctoral Research Award, West Virginia University, 2010.

Publications (Published and Under Review):

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article Publications: 

  • Stearns, M.A. & Nadorff, D.K. (2020). The Moderation of Raising One’s Grandchildren on the Relation between Sleep and Depressive Symptoms. Nature and Science of Sleep, 2020:12, 615 – 626. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S247568. 2019 Impact Factor = 4.375.
  • Provenzano, A., Stearns, M.A., & Nadorff, D.K. (2020). The influence of caregiving on the relation between marital status and psychological health in a grandparent sample. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 00,1-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415020920000. 2018 Impact Factor = 1.175.
  • Fokakis, Z.N., Nadorff, D.K., & McKay, I.T. (2020). Is raising your grandchild bad for your health? The association between custodial grandparent status and health biomarkers in Taiwanese grandparents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051753. 2019 Impact Factor = 2.849.
  • Stearns, M.A., Nadorff, D.K., Lantz, E.D., & McKay, I.T. (2018). Religiosity and depressive symptoms in older adults compared to younger adults: Moderation by age. Journal of Affective Disorders, 238, 522-525.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.076. 2018 Impact Factor = 4.084.
  • Nadorff, D.K. & Patrick, J.H. (2018). Predicting child safety: The effect of custodial grandparents’ depression, home safety, knowledge, and gender. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 16, 225-242.https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2018.1477398. 2018 H Index = 18.
  • Lund, E., Thomas, K., Nadorff, D., Bouchard, L., Galbraith, K., & Bradley, A. (2018). A comparative analysis of three screening methods for non-suicidal self-injury in college students. Journal of College Counseling, 21, 224-238. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocc.12105. 2018 H Index = 14.
  • Adams-Price, C., Nadorff, D.K., Morse, L., Davis, K. & Stearns, M.A. (2018). The Creative Benefits Scale: Connecting generativity to life satisfaction. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 86, 242-265. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415017699939. 2018 Impact Factor = 1.175.
  • Patrick, J.H., Graf, A.S., Nadorff, D.K., & Hayslip, B. (2015). Experiences with grandparents and attitudes toward custodial grandparenting. Grandfamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice, and Policy, 2, 92-109.https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3467423. 
  • Nadorff, M.R., Nadorff, D.K., & Germain, A. (2015). Nightmares: under-reported, undetected, and therefore untreated.  Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11, 747-750. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.4850. 2018 Impact Factor = 3.456.
  • Adler, G., Pritchett, L.R., Kauth, M.R., Nadorff, D.K. (2014). A pilot project to improve access to telepsychotherapy at rural clinics. Journal of Telemedicine and e-Health, 20. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2013.0085. 2018 Impact Factor = 1.996.
  • Gentzler, A.L., Oberhauser, A.M., Westerman, D., & Nadorff, D.K. (2011). College students’ use of electronic communication with parents: Links to loneliness, attachment, and relationship quality. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 14, 71-74. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0409. 2018 Impact Factor = 2.650.
  • Patrick, J.H. & Tomczewski*, D.K. (2008). Grandparents raising grandchildren: Benefits and drawbacks. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 5, 113-116. https://doi.org/10.1300/J194v05n04_11. 2018 H Index = 18.

    Additional Publications:

  • Scott, R.K. & Nadorff, D.K. (2020). Book review: The caregiver’s encyclopedia: A compassionate guide to caring for older adults. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 0, https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415020940212. 2018 Impact Factor = 1.175.
  • Nadorff, D.K. & Stearns, M.A. (2018). Hidden no longer: Black, Groce, & Harmon’s new book provides a fascinating glimpse into a vulnerable and understudied group of caregivers. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 86, 426-428. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415017740679. 2018 Impact Factor = 1.175.
  • Patrick, J.H., Nadorff, D.K. & Blake, V.K. (2016). Physical health of custodial and caregiving grandfathers in North America. Chapter 11 in Grandfathers: Global Perspectives. A. Buchanan & A. Rotkirch (Eds.), Palgrave Macmillan. 201-213. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56338-5_11.
  • Fiske, A., Ciliberti, C., Clegg-Kraynok, M., Gould, C., Nadorff, D.K., Nadorff, M.R., Nazem, S., & Stahl, S. (2012). Mental health and aging. In Maddux, J.E. & Winstead, B. (Eds.), Psychopathology: Foundations for a contemporary understanding (3rd ed.). 399-425. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3467883.

    Papers under review and in revision: 
     
  • Nadorff, D.K., Scott, R.K., & Fitchie, T. Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality of Those Raised in Kincare: A Peer Comparison Study. Status: Revise and Resubmit Request is being completed.
  • Nadorff, D.K., Scott, R.K., & Griffin, R. Custodial grandchildren and foster children: A school performance comparison. Status: Under review.
  • Scott, R.K., Nadorff, D.K., Yancura, L. & Barnett, M.A. Respect Your Elders: The Relation Between Generativity and Life Satisfaction in Custodial Grandparents. Status: In revision before resubmission.
  • Marello, M., Nadorff, D.K., & Patrick, J.H. Caregiving grandparents’ role centrality and shared activities with grandchildren moderate the relation between poor health and depressive symptoms. Status: Under review.
  • Fastring, D.R., Nadorff, D.K., DeShong, H.L. The Influence of Rurality on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and BMI: Findings in Mississippi are Not Consistent with Those at the National Level. Status: Under review.
  • Lantz, E., Stearns, M.A., McKay, I., & Nadorff, D.K. The mediating effect of gratitude on the relation between religiosity and well-being: How increasing thankfulness helps one to practice their religion and be satisfied with life. Status: Revise and Resubmit Request is being completed.
  • Israel, S.M., Adams-Price, C.E., Bolstad, C.J., & Nadorff, D.K. Creativity in aging: Does long term participation in creative hobbies reduce depression in middle-aged and older adults? Status: Revise and Resubmit Request is under review.
  • McKay, I.T. & Nadorff, D.K. The impact of custodial grandparenting on cognitive performance in a longitudinal sample of grandparents raising grandchildren. Status: Revise and Resubmit Request is being completed.
  • Stearns, M.A. & Nadorff, D.K. Parenting and attachment to custodial grandparents versus foster parents: Moderation by church attendance. Status: Under review.
  • Williamson, E.A., Nadorff, D.K., & McKay, I.T. Could Chasing Grandkids Keep Us Young? The Association Between Custodial Grandparent Status and Health. Status: In revision before resubmission.
  • Nadorff, D.K., Yancura, L., Berry, A.A., & Metzger, B. The financial impact of raising grandchildren: An analysis from the American Community Survey. Status: In revision before resubmission.

    ​​Note: Dr. Nadorff's name is bolded (maiden name was Tomczewski). Italicized authors are lab students.

Selected Posters:

  • Nadorff, D.K., & Mathews, R. (2020). Too many treats or not enough to eat? The impact of custodial grandparents on food security and nutrition. Poster accepted for the annual Gerontological Society of America conference. Held online due to CoVid 19.
  • Scott, R.K., Nadorff, D.K., Barnett, M., & Yancura, L. (2020). Respect your elders: The relation between generativity and life satisfaction in custodial grandparents. Poster accepted for the annual Gerontological Society of America conference. Held online due to CoVid 19.
  • Tompkins, C.J., Zic, A., Carlson, E., Purvis, A., Yancura, L., & Nadorff, D.K. (2020). Exploring the stress and strengths arising from the complexities existing within grandfamilies. Poster accepted for the annual Gerontological Society of America conference. Held online due to CoVid 19.
  • Scott, R.K., Nadorff, D.K. (2020). The role of intergenerational relationships: Applying the Family Stress Model to grandfamilies. Poster accepted for the annual Gerontological Society of America conference. Held online due to CoVid 19.
  • McKay, I.T., & Nadorff, D.K. (2020). Anger and hostility: A comparison of custodial and non-custodial grandparents. Poster accepted for the annual Aging in America conference. Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Adams-Price, C.E., Kivnick, H.Q., de Medeiros, K., Ardelt, M., Orwoll, L., & Nadorff, D.K. (2019). Creativity in later life: Perspectives on its forms and meanings. Symposium presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. Austin, TX.
  • Nadorff, D.K., Williamson, E.A., & McKay, I.T. (2019). Could chasing grandkids keep us young? The association between custodial grandparent status and health. Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. Austin, TX.
  • Stearns, M.A. & Nadorff, D.K. & Scott, R.K. (2019). The moderating effect of raising one’s grandchildren on the relation between sleep and depression. Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. Austin, TX.
  • Kim, E.B., Nadorff, D.K., Scott, R.K., & McKay, I.T. (2019). The influence of custodial status on marital affectual solidarity and mental health among grandparents. Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. Austin, TX.
  • Nadorff, D.K. (2017). Depression in children raised by their grandparents vs foster parents: The impact of parenting style.  Poster presented at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics World Congress meeting. San Francisco, CA.
  • Stearns, M.A., Lantz, E.D., & Nadorff, D.K. (2017). Religiosity and depressive symptoms in older adults compared to younger adults: Moderation by age. Poster presented at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics World Congress meeting. San Francisco, CA.
  • Nadorff, D.K., & Adams-Price, C. (2016). Not just a hobby: Creativity’s moderation of the relation between anhedonia and suicidality in middle-aged and older adults.  Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Stearns, M.A., Lantz, E., McKay, I., & Nadorff, D.K. (2016). Comparing grandparents raising grandchildren to foster parents on consistent parenting style and child attachment: Moderation by religious attendance.  Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Adams-Price, C., Morse, L.W., & Nadorff, D.K. (2016). Connecting creativity to adult development: The link between generativity and life satisfaction.  Paper presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Adams-Price, C., Nadorff, D.K., & Morse, L. (2015). The effects of creative meaning on depression and life satisfaction in mid and late life creative hobbyists. Poster presented at the annual Gerontological Society of America meeting. Orlando, FL.

Current Projects:

Manuscript Preparation
  • McKay, I.T., & Nadorff, D.K. The Impacts of an Entrepreneurial Education Program on Entrepreneurial Intention and its Antecedents in a Population of Adolescent Males in Recovery.

  • Nadorff, D.K., Gentzler, A.L., & Stearns, M.A. Retention of our highest-risk students: The effects of communication, loneliness, and attachment.
    Rogers, M.M. & Nadorff, D.K. Grandparents’ Physical Ability, Childhood Impulsivity, and Distress.

  • Peters, D., Nadorff, D.K., & Lantz, E.D. Reasons expressed for assuming care of custodial grandchildren and foster children: A replication and extension of the Nine Ds. 

  • Nadorff, D.K., Dozier, M.E., & Coble, K. The effect of becoming a custodial grandparent on marital status and satisfaction: A longitudinal assessment from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.

  • Nadorff, D.K., Stearns, M.A., & Scott, R.K. Religiosity and forgiveness in adults raised by non-biological parents: Moderation by gender. 

  • Nadorff, D.K., Scott, R.K. & Stearns, M.A. Caregiver depression and child injury in non-parent caregivers.

  • Stearns, M.A., Curtis, A., Nair, N., Wilkerson, A., Nadorff, D.K., & McCrae, C.S. Adolescent sleep mediates maternal depressive symptoms and the use of clear rules.

Data Analysis
  • Nadorff, D.K., DeShong, H.L, McKay, I.T., & McDaniel, C.J. Stressed to the Breaking Point? A Two-Sample Study of the Impact of Caring for One’s Grandchildren on Anger and Hostility.
  • Valentine, M. & Nadorff, D.K. The impact of gender on a model of custodial grandparents’ physical health.
  • Mathews, R.M. & Nadorff, D.K. Too many treats, or not enough to eat? Custodial grandchildren’s food security and nutrition.
  • Nadorff, D.K. & Ralston, M. The moderating effect of state environment on the association between custodial grandparent status and health in a nationwide sample.
  • Nadorff, D.K. The kids are alright: Comparing custodial grandchildren’s emotional, behavioral, and physical health with that of foster children.

Data Collection
  • Lopez, A.R., Nadorff, D.K., & Scott, R.K. Perception of past trauma and current wellbeing as moderated caregiver status and race.