Rose Wesche

Rose Wesche, Assistant Professor

_{Department of Human Development and Family Science

295 West Campus Drive

Blacksburg, VA 24061

540-231-5437 | rwesche@vt.edu}

Rose Wesche joined the Human Development and Family Science department at Virginia Tech in 2019 as an Assistant Professor. Rose’s research focuses on how diverse interpersonal relationships, including friendships, romantic relationships, and casual sexual relationships, are associated with adolescents’ and young adults’ well-being. Rose uses diverse statistical methodologies and theoretical perspectives to examine how interpersonal relationships create risks and benefits related to health. Rose received her doctorate in HDFS from Penn State and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oberlin College.

Accepting new grad students: Yes; can serve on student committees
In need of students for research team: No
Name of research team: Healthy Emerging Adult and Adolescent Relationships (HEAR) Lab

Principal Areas of Research Focus

Adolescent development
Adolescent health, including sexual health, mental health, and substance use
Sexual and romantic relationships
Friendships and peer acceptance
LGBTQ health

Education

Ph.D., in Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University
M.S., in Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University
B.A., in Psychology, Oberlin College

Professional Roles

Regular professional memberships:

Co-chair, Society for Research on Adolescence Social Policy Committee
Member, Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood 2021 Conference Committee
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Society for Research on Adolescence
Society for Research in Child Development
Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood

Featured Publications

Wesche, R., Claxton, S. E., & Waterman, E. A. (2021). Emotional outcomes of casual sexual relationships and experiences: A systematic review. The Journal of Sex Research, 58(8), 1069-1084. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2020.1821163

Kaestle, C. E., Allen, K., Wesche, R., & Grafsky, E. (2021). Adolescent sexual development: A family perspective. The Journal of Sex Research, 58(7), 874-890. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.1924605