Dr. Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck and the Zlab
Publications
Problem Behaviors
see the list below
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​Ryan, K. M., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Hawes, T., Kovacs, T., & Leahy, N. (2026). Intrusive parenting and adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms: Three-level meta-analytic reviews considering parenting concepts and methodology. Child and Family Clinical Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-025-00555-1
Click here to download the paper.
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Dellers, L. Y. E., Duffy, A. L., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2026). Sexual minority men’s mental health: Associations with gay community intragroup marginalisation beyond heterosexist discrimination. Journal of Homosexuality, 73(4), 792-822. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2025.2485157
Click here to download the paper.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Hawes, T., Scott, R. A., Skinner, E. A., & Kindermann, T. A. (2026). Seeking support or concealing? A longitudinal study of adolescents’ friendships, peer victimization, depression, and coping with peer relationship stressors.Developmental Psychology, 62(2), 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0002096
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Waters, A. M., Sluis, R. A., Usher, W., Farrell, L. J., Donovan, C. L., Modecki, K. L., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Knox, C., Castle, M., & Hinchey, J. (2026). Mental health outcomes for teenage boys and girls following a youth sports development program including a mental health program. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 38(1), 75-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2025.2495590
Click here to download the paper.
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Ryan, K. M., & Campbell, S. M. (2026). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: A focus on meta-analyses to identify benefits and new approaches. In A. Scudder, T. Hembree-Kigin, & C. M. McNeil (Eds.), Clinical Handbook of Advancements in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Springer
Mera, S., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Conlon, E., Ryan, K. M., & Dower, A. (2025). A scoping review of the role of mindful parenting in youth's emotional, behavioral and social adjustment, coping, and emotion regulation. International Journal of Behavioral Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254251381983
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​Campbell, S. M., Edwards, E.-J., Hambour, V., Horan, N., Hawes, T., Swan, K., Wotton, M., Melloy, B., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2025). The effects of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy on parent feeding practices and children’s problematic mealtime behaviors, Behavior Therapy, 56(3), 566-579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2024.08.005
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Steinvik, H. R., Duffy, A. L. & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2024). Can empathy and compassion activation affect adolescents’ empathic responses, compassion, and behavioral intentions when witnessing bullying? International Journal of Bullying Prevention. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-024-00254-5
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Steinvik, H., Duffy, A. L., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2025). Adolescents' compassion is distinctly associated with more prosocial and less aggressive defending against bullying when considering multiple empathic emotions and costs. Journal of Adolescence, 97(6), 1494-1506. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12513
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​Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Scott, R. A., & Hawes, T. (2024). Appearance-related teasing, rejection sensitivity, acceptance, and coping as risks and resources associated with online appearance preoccupation over one year. Computers in Human Behavior. 158, Article 108319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108319
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Dellers, L. Y. E., Duffy, A. L., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2024). Manifestations and harms of intragroup marginalization within the male gay community: A qualitative study of gay and bisexual men. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000724
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​Kellij, S., Lodder, G. M. A., Giletta, M., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., GüroÄŸlu, B., & Veenstra, R. (2024). Are there negative cycles of peer victimization and rejection sensitivity? Testing ri-CLPMs in two longitudinal samples of young adolescents. Development and Psychopathology, 36(2), 844-856. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423000123
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Steinvik, H., Duffy, A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2024). Bystanders’ responses to witnessing cyberbullying: The role of empathic distress, empathic anger, and compassion. International Journal of Bullying Prevention, 6(4), 399-410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-023-00164-y
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Kindermann, T. A., & Gardner, A. A. (2023). Peer stressors and peer relationship dynamics in the development of coping. In E. A. Skinner & M. J. Zimmer-Gembeck (Eds.), Cambridge handbook of the development of coping (Chapter 22, pp. 538-559). Cambridge University Press.
Campbell, S. M., Hawes, T., Swan, K., Thomas, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2023). Evidence-based treatment in practice: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy research on addressing individual differences and diversity through the lens of 20 years of service. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 16, 2599—2617. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S360302
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Hambour, V. K., Duffy, A. L., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2023). Social identification dimensions, sources of discrimination, and sexuality support as correlates of well-being among sexual minorities. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 53, 1045-1058. http://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12994
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Rudolph, J., Polak, E.-J., Swan, K., Hawes, T., Campbell, S. M., & Webb, H. J. (2022). Circle of Security: A randomized controlled trial of a low intensity, individualized attachment-based program with at-risk parents. Behavior Therapy, 53(2), 208-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2021.07.003
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Rudolph, J., Kerin, J., & Bohadana-Brown, G. (2022). Parent emotional regulation: A meta-analytic review of its association with parenting and child adjustment. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 46(1), 63-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254211051086
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Rudolph, J., Webb, H. J., Henderson, L., & Hawes, T. (2021). Face-to-face and cyber-victimization: A longitudinal study of offline appearance anxiety and online appearance preoccupation. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(12), 2311–2323. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01367-y
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Webb, H. J., Kerin, J., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2021). Increases in emotional eating during early adolescence and associations with appearance teasing by parents and peers, peer victimization, depression and social anxiety. Journal of Early Adolescence, 41(5), 754-777. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431620950469
Clear, S. J., Gardner, A. A., Webb, H. J., Rowe, S. L., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2020). Common and distinct correlates of depression, anxiety and aggression: Attachment and emotion regulation of sadness and anger. Journal of Adult Development. doi:10.1007/s10804-019-09333-0
Duffy, A., & Gardner, A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2020). Peer rejection and victimization. To appear in S. Hupp, J. Jewell, & R. Galliher (Series Eds.) and M. J. Zimmer-Gembeck & A. M. Waters (Volume Eds.), The encyclopedia of child and adolescent development: Vol. 4 Emotion in childhood (pp. 1-13). Wiley. doi:10.1002/9781119171492
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Duncan, N., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Furman, W. (2019). Sexual harassment and appearance-based peer victimization: Unique associations with emotional adjustment by gender and age. Journal of Adolescence, 75, 12-21. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.06.016
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Lavell, C. H., Webb, H. J., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J, & Farrell, L. J. (2018). A prospective study of adolescents’ body dysmorphic symptoms: Peer victimization and the direct and protective roles of emotion regulation and mindfulness. Body Image: An International Journal of Research, 24, 17-25. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.11.006
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2018). Sexual risk behaviors. In M. H. Bornstein (Series Ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781506307633
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​Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Duffy, A., Ferguson, S., & Gardner, A. (2018) Relational aggression in romantic relationships. In S. M. Coyne & J. M. Ostrov (Eds.). The development of relational aggression (Chapter 16, pp. 248-264). New York: Oxford University Press. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=9WxvswEACAAJ
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Webb, H. J., Thomas, R., McGregor, L., Avdagic, E., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2017). An evaluation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with and without a motivational enhancement to reduce attrition. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 46, 537-550. doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1247357.
Modecki, K., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Guerra, N. (2017). Emotion regulation, coping, and decision making: Three linked skills for preventing externalizing problems in adolescence, Child Development, 88, 417-426. doi:10.1111/cdev.12734.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Nesdale, D., Webb, H. J., Khatibi, M., & Downey, G. (2016). A longitudinal rejection sensitivity model of depression and aggression: Unique roles of anxiety, anger, blame, withdrawal, and retribution. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44, 1291-1307. doi:10.1007/s10802-016-0127-y.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., O’Sullivan, L. F., Mastro, S., & Hewitt-Stubbs, G. (2016). Adolescent sexuality: Current directions in health and risk-reduction. In M. K. Holt & A. E. Grills (Eds.). Critical Issues in School-based Mental Health (Chapter 9, pp. 93-104). New York: Taylor & Francis (Routledge).
Ferguson#, S., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Duffy, A. (2016). A longitudinal study of aggression and victimization in early adolescence: Gender differences in the moderating effects of social status. Journal of Relationships Research, 7, 1-11. doi:10.1017/jrr.2016.9
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2016). Peer rejection, victimization, and relational self-system processes in adolescence: Toward a transactional model of stress, coping, and developing sensitivities. Child Development Perspectives, 10(2), 122-127. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12174.
Rowe, S., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Hood, M. (2016). From the child to the neighbourhood: Longitudinal ecological correlates of young adolescents’ emotional, social, conduct, and academic difficulties. Journal of Adolescence, 49, 218-231. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.4.001.
Rowe, S. L., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Hood, M. (2016). Community, family, and individual factors associated with adolescents’ resilience and vulnerability, daily stress, and well-being following family separation. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 57, 87-111. doi:10.1080/10502556.2015.1127875.
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Skinner, E. A. (2015). Adolescent vulnerability and the distress of rejection: Associations of adjustment problems and gender with control, emotions, and coping. Journal of Adolescence, 45, 149-159. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2015.09.004
Nesdale, D. & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2015). Peer rejection in childhood: Social groups, rejection sensitivity, and solitude. In R. J. Coplan & J. Bowker (Eds.), The handbook of solitude: Psychological perspectives on social isolation, social withdrawal, and being alone (pp. 129-149). New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
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Webb, H. J., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Mastro, S., Farrell, L., Waters, A. W., Lavell, C. (2015). Young adolescents’ body dysmorphic symptoms: Associations with same- and cross-sex peer teasing via appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43, 1161-1173. doi:10.1007/s10802-014-9971-9
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. & Duffy, A. (2014). Heightened emotional sensitivity intensifies the association between relational aggression and victimization among girls but not boys. Development & Psychopathology, 26, 661-673
Lavell, C., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Farrell, L., & Webb, H. (2014). Victimization, social anxiety, and body dysmorphic concerns: Appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator. Body Image, 11, 391-395. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.06.008.
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Nesdale, D., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Roxburgh, N. (2014). Peer group rejection in childhood: Effects of rejection ambiguity, rejection sensitivity, and social acumen, Journal of Social Issues, 70, 12-28. doi: 10.1111/josi.12044
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Nesdale, D., Fersterer, J, & Wilson, J. (2014). An experimental manipulation of rejection: Effects on children’s attitudes and mood depend on rejection sensitivity and relationship history, Australian Journal of Psychology, 66, 8-17. doi: 10.1111/ajpy.12029.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Trevaskis, S, Nesdale, D, & Downey, G. (2013). Relational victimization, loneliness and depressive symptoms: Indirect associations via self and peer reports of rejection sensitivity, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(4), 568-582. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-013-9993-6.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Thomas, R., Hendrickson, K., Avdagic, E., Webb, H., & McGregor, L. (2013). Maternal emotional distress and children's internalizing and externalizing in families at high risk of child abuse: Child gender moderates parenting sensitivity as a mediator, Infant and Child Development, 22, 480-500 doi: 10.1002/icd.1804.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Nesdale, D., McGregor, L., Mastro, S., Goodwin, B., & Downey, G. (2013). Comparing reports of peer rejection: Associations with rejection sensitivity, victimization, aggression, and friendship, Journal of Adolescence, 36(6), 1237-1246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.10.002
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Pronk, R. E., Goodwin, B., Mastro, S, & Crick, N. R. (2013). Connected and isolated victims of relational aggression: Associations with peer group status and differences between girls and boys. Sex Roles, 68, 363-377.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Nesdale, D. (2013). Anxious and angry rejection sensitivity, social withdrawal, and retribution in high and low ambiguous situations. Journal of Personality, 81, 29-38. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2012.00792.x
Thomas, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2012). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: An evidence-based treatment for child abuse, Child Maltreatment, 17, 253-266.
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Bocquee, A. L., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Morrissey, S. (2012). Deficits in affect regulation and coping among adolescents with self-injurious behavior and ideation. Adolescent Behaviour (141-166). New York: NOVA Science Publishers.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Pronk, R. E. (2012), Relation of depression and anxiety to self- and peer-reported relational aggression. Aggressive Behavior, 38, 16-30. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.20416
Mathieson, L. C., Murray-Close, D., Crick, N. R., Woods, K. E., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Geiger, T. C., & Morales, J. R. (2011). Hostile intent attributions and relational aggression: The moderating roles of emotional sensitivity, gender, and victimization. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 39, 977-987.
Thomas, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2011). Accumulating evidence for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in the prevention of child maltreatment. Child Development, 82(1), 177-192. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01548.x
McLachlan, J., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & McGregor, L. (2010). Rejection sensitivity in childhood and early adolescence: Peer rejection and protective effects of parents and friends. Journal of Relationships Research. 1, 31-40. doi: 10.1375/jrr.1.1.31
Pronk, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2010). It’s “mean”, but what does it mean to adolescents?: Aggressors’ and victims’ understanding of relational aggression. Journal of Adolescent Research, 25, 175-204.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J, & Helfand, M. (2008). Ten years of longitudinal research on U.S. adolescent sexual behavior: The evidence for multiple pathways to sexual intercourse, and the importance of age, gender and ethnic background, Developmental Review, 28, 153-224.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Collins, W. A. (2008). Gender, mature appearance, alcohol use and dating as correlates of sexual partner accumulation from ages 16 to 26, Journal of Adolescent Health, 42, 564-572.
Gallaty, K., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2008). The daily social and emotional worlds of adolescents who are psychologically maltreated by their partners, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37, 310-323.
Anthonysamy, A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2007). Peer status and the behaviors of maltreated children and their classmates in the early years of school, Child Abuse & Neglect, 31, 971-991.
Thomas, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2007). Behavioral outcomes of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Triple P - Positive Parenting Program: A review and meta-analysis, Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 35, 475-495.
Siebenbruner#, J., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Egeland, B. (2007). Sexual partners and contraceptive use: A 16-year prospective study predicting abstinence and risk behavior. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 17, 179-206.
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Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Geiger, T. A., & Crick, N. R. (2007). Relational and physical aggression, prosocial behavior, and peer relations: Gender moderation and bidirectional associations. In M. Drysdale, & B. J. Rye (Eds.), Taking sides: Clashing views in adolescence. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Geiger, T. C., & Crick, N. R. (2005). Relational and physical aggression, prosocial behavior, and peer relations: Gender moderation and bidirectional associations. Journal of Early Adolescence, 25, 421-452. doi: 10.1177/0272431605279841
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Siebenbruner, J., Collins, W. A. (2004). A prospective study of intraindividual and peer influences on adolescents’ heterosexual romantic and sexual behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 33, 381-394.
Anthonysamy#, A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2004). Behaviour problems and peer rejection in pre-school and early elementary school children. Australian Journal of Psychology, 56, 2-3.
Geiger, T. A., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Crick, N. R. (2004). The science of relational aggression: Can we guide intervention? In M. M. Moretti, C. Odgers, & M. Jackson (Eds.), Girls and aggression: Contributing factors and intervention strategies. Perspectives in Law and Psychology Series (pp. 27-40). New York: Kluwer.
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