Understanding Health Behaviors Across the Lifecourse
The FAB research portfolio brings together clinically grounded, biologically informed studies on modifiable behaviors and care pathways that shape health across the life course and across generations. The FAB portfolio is a long-standing research program designed to establish scientific rigor while remaining attentive to the lived experience of individuals, families, and care providers.
FAB research examines patterns of alcohol and other substance use, diet, physical activity, sleep, and exposure to stress and trauma—recognizing that these factors do not occur in isolation, but cluster and interact over time within individuals, families, and social contexts.
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the FAB research portfolio integrates rigorous longitudinal science with community-engaged research approaches to generate evidence that informs prevention, intervention, and policy—locally and nationally.
Since its launch, FAB projects have followed participants over time to understand whether and why health behaviors and outcomes change and how those changes may reverberate across generations.
Our Impact at a Glance
Portfolio of research studies spanning more than a decade
Hundreds of participants contributing to repeated assessments
Multiple peer-reviewed publications advancing alcohol and health behavior science
Findings informing prevention and intervention efforts relevant to real-world settings
What We’ve Learned
FAB research has generated important insights into how modifiable health behaviors and contextual exposures shape health trajectories across adulthood and family life.
Health Behaviors Are Dynamic and Interconnected
FAB findings demonstrate that health behaviors, including alcohol and other substance use, diet, physical activity, and sleep, are dynamic over time and often co-occur. These patterns are closely tied to life transitions, cumulative stress, and changing social roles.
Why this matters: Interventions that address multiple, interacting behaviors or that address behaviors in context may be more effective than those targeting single behaviors in isolation.
Stress and Trauma Shape Behavioral and Health Trajectories
Our research shows that exposure to stress and trauma is strongly associated with patterns of health behavior and downstream health risks across the lifecourse.
Why this matters: Addressing stress and trauma as contextual drivers may help attenuate risk and support more sustainable behavior change.
Family and Social Context Influence Intergenerational Risk
FAB data highlight how family dynamics, caregiving roles, and social environments shape health behaviors in ways that may influence not only individual outcomes, but also the well-being of the next generation.
Why this matters: Prevention and intervention strategies that consider family and intergenerational context are critical for long-term impact.
[Explore FAB Findings →]
Current & Upcoming Studies
Building on more than a decade of FAB findings, we are expanding our research program to address emerging questions about health behaviors, stress, and well-being across the lifecourse.
Upcoming projects include FAB:MOM, FAB:BIRTH, and FAB:RECOVER. Each addresses a distinct but interconnected window of risk and opportunity, spanning pregnancy, birth, and early recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Why Participate in FAB Research?
FAB research is possible because of the individuals and families who contribute their time and experiences. Participation helps advance knowledge about modifiable behaviors and conditions that affect health across generations.
Your participation contributes to evidence that informs prevention and intervention efforts
FAB findings are used in peer-reviewed research and to inform health practice and policy
Protecting your privacy and confidentiality is a top priority
Whether you are a returning participant or considering joining a study for the first time, your involvement supports research with lasting impact.
About the FAB Research Team
The FAB Study is led by experienced investigators and research staff committed to scientific rigor, ethical research practices, and community engagement. The program is supported through academic and research partnerships and has a strong track record of peer-reviewed scholarship.
Stay Connected
Learn more about FAB publications, study updates, and opportunities to engage with our research.