Katharine Hunsdon Zeiders, Ph.D.

Dr. Zeiders is accepting undergraduate research assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year and graduate students for the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Dr. Zeiders' research investigates the impact of stressors on the daily and long-term functioning of adolescents, young adults, and adults. The primary focus is on experiences of environmental stressors that are developmentally salient, including experiences of ethnic discrimination and acculturation stressors among immigrant youth, workplace stressors among adults, and daily stressors associated with sociopolitical changes.  Multiple aspects of stress are examined including self-report, appraisals, and physiological responses. These aspects of stress are then linked to individuals' health and functioning such as depression, anxiety, physical well-being, and academic success. The overarching goal of her research is to understand how, and under what conditions, stressors impact individuals across development. Her work also examines resources that may mitigate the effects of stressors on health and well-being, including aspects of identity, family relationships, and social support.

Current Research Projects

Rural Origins, Opportunities, Transitions and Strengths (ROOTS) Study: Rural youth have the highest graduation rates across the US; they are more likely to graduate high school than urban and suburban youth. However, they are less likely to go to college, and while in college, have limited support and contexts that may not appreciate or utilize the unique skills they bring. Very little research has investigated how rural youth experience college and what is important to them. As colleges and universities become more diverse, understanding how youth from rural backgrounds, including youth from small towns, farming and ranching communities and who live on tribal reservations, is needed to help support their success. The ROOTS study will recruit 100 college students from rural backgrounds across one academic year in college and will examine various assets in the college context that should foster rural students’ development. 

Firefighters and Mindfulness Study (FFMind): Firefighters face considerable occupational stressors and are at risk for mental and physical health problems. The FFMind study is examining how app-based programs can improve mental well-being using a meditation and health education smartphone app. Collaborators include Dr. Thaddeus Pace, Dr. Stephanie Cook, Dr. Kerry Ramella, and Dr. Lindsay Hoyt.  More information can be found here: https://nursing.arizona.edu/firefighter-mind-ffmind-project

Previous Research Projects

The Hijos Project: A collaborative NSF-funded project with Dr. Lindsay Hoyt and Dr. Ada Wilkinson-Lee. This project examined how adolescent boys' pubertal development impact socialization, and how biological and social factors together impact mental health and well-being.

Health and Relationships During College: A collaborative project with Dr. Antoinette Landor at the University of Missouri. This project examines African American and Latino college students’ weekly experiences of stress.

The College Election Study: A collaborative project with Dr. Lindsay Hoyt, Dr. Russell Toomey, and Dr. Rajni Nair that examined college students’ stress hormone profiles before, during, and after the elections. 

The Adolescent Election Study: A collaborative project with Dr. Lindsay Hoyt  and Dr. Rajni Nair that examined adolescents' stress hormone profiles before, during, and after a presidential election and the links between parental stress and youths psychological and physiological functioning.