Richard Jessor
Richard Jessor | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 24, 1924 Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Citizenship | American |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Social psychologist |
| Employer | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Honours | United States Marine Corps (1943–1946); Battle of Iwo Jima; Purple Heart |
Richard “Dick” Jessor (born November 24, 1924)[1] is an American social psychologist and academician, known for his research on adolescent development, health behavior, and Problem Behavior Theory.[2]
Education and career
[edit]Jessor joined the University of Colorado Boulder in 1951 and spent most of his academic career there.[citation needed] He holds an M.A. from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University.[2] He co-founded the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS) and served as its director from 1980 to 2001. In 2025, the IBS building was renamed the “Richard Jessor Building” in his honor.[3]
Jessor's research on alcohol abuse[4] and other problem behaviors[5] among adolescents in the 1960s led to the development of Problem Behavior Theory, which is used as a theoretical framework in studies of adolescent risk behavior.[6] In December 2024, Boulder, Colorado Boulder declared December 19 as '''Dr. Dick Jessor Day''' in recognition of his contributions.[7] He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was wounded at the Battle of Iwo Jima, receiving the Purple Heart.[3] He is also a member of the Committee on Child Development Research and Public Policy. Jessor is a consultant to international organizations, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, on adolescent health.[2]
Awards and honors
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Dec. 19 declared Dr. Dick Jessor Day | CU Boulder Today | University of Colorado Boulder". www.colorado.edu. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- 1 2 3 "Growing Up Global: The Changing Transitions to Adulthood in Developing Countries (2005) Chapter: Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff". National Academies.
- 1 2 3 Getzoff, Sarahtalr; Getzoff, Brooke (2025-02-01). "Institute of Behavioral Science building renamed for Founder Richard Jessor Institute of Behavioral Science Renamed". CU Independent. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ Donovan, J. E.; Jessor, R.; Costa, F. M. (1999). "Adolescent problem drinking: stability of psychosocial and behavioral correlates across a generation". Journal of Studies on Alcohol. 60 (3): 352–361. doi:10.15288/jsa.1999.60.352. ISSN 0096-882X. PMID 10371263.
- ↑ Donovan, John E. (1996-04-01). "Problem-Behavior Theory and the Explanation of Adolescent Marijuana Use". Journal of Drug Issues. 26 (2). SAGE Publications Inc: 379–404. doi:10.1177/002204269602600205. ISSN 0022-0426.
- ↑ Shah, Farooq; Kaleem, Muhammad; Ali, Akhtar. "Nexus Between Family, Drug Abuse & Academic Performance: Evidences From Selected Universities in District Mardan" (PDF). Pakistan Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences Research. 3 (2).
- ↑ "Boulder declares Dick Jessor Day honoring 100-year-old professor, WWII veteran". Boulder Daily Camera. 2024-12-23. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ "Outstanding Achievement in Adolescent Health and Medicine – SAHM". adolescenthealth.org. Retrieved 2026-09-24.