T-Pop Research Lab

Research

Four connected themes

Using population-based and longitudinal data from Taiwan, the United States, and East Asia, we study how social life gets under the skin — and why its effects are unequal.

01

Aging and Life Course

Examines aging trajectories, cumulative inequalities, and changes in physical, cognitive, and mental health across adulthood and later life, with attention to age, cohort, and historical contexts.

Funded projects

  • Educational Assortative Mating and Aging Process National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2021–2023). PI.
  • Poverty and Sleep in Later Life PSID Small Grant Program, U.S. National Institute on Aging (2015–2016). PI.

Recent publications

In press

Disability and Healthy Time Use Among Asian Americans in Middle and Later Life

Chen, J.-H.

Journal of Social Issues

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In press

Finding the Upsides to Living Alone: Time Use and Unequal Adaptation among Older Americans

Chen, J.-H., Oh, H., & Schafer, M. H.

Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences

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2026

Unequal Aging: Investigating Trends in Functional Limitations and Depression among Taiwanese and Mainlander Older Adults in Taiwan

Chen, J.-H., & Liu, F.

Journal of Aging and Health

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All publications on this theme
02

Family and Social Relationships

Investigates family dynamics, marriage, intergenerational relationships, and social connectedness, with a focus on relationship quality, family transitions, and everyday social interactions.

Funded projects

  • Marriage, Biomarkers, and Well-Being: Variation by Different-Sex and Same-Sex Families National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2023–2025). PI.
  • Lives and Well-Being of Indigenous Families in Taiwan over the Life Course National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2021). PI.

Recent publications

In press

Finding the Upsides to Living Alone: Time Use and Unequal Adaptation among Older Americans

Chen, J.-H., Oh, H., & Schafer, M. H.

Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences

Request a copy

All publications on this theme
03

Social Determinants of Health and Well-Being

Explores how socioeconomic conditions, living environments, and daily behaviors are associated with health outcomes, particularly sleep, psychological distress, and physical functioning.

Funded projects

  • Poor Health and Development of Behavioral Skills in Early Childhood AERA Dissertation Grant Program, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (2010–2011). PI.

Recent publications

All publications on this theme
04

Minority Health and Social Inequality

Examines health disparities among Indigenous peoples, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ populations, focusing on discrimination, structural marginalization, and unequal access to healthcare.

Funded projects

  • Microaggressions Toward Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples in the Age of AI National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2026–2028). PI.
  • Sexual Orientation and the Onset Age of Chronic Diseases Leading to Disabilities National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2025–2027). PI.
  • Structural Marginalization and Indigenous Well-Being over the Life Course National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (2023–2024). PI.

Recent publications

In press

Disability and Healthy Time Use Among Asian Americans in Middle and Later Life

Chen, J.-H.

Journal of Social Issues

Request a copy

2026

Unequal Aging: Investigating Trends in Functional Limitations and Depression among Taiwanese and Mainlander Older Adults in Taiwan

Chen, J.-H., & Liu, F.

Journal of Aging and Health

Request a copy

All publications on this theme