Dr. Arria's primary research focus has been to understand familial, social, and individual risk and resiliency factors associated with mental health and substance abuse among adolescents and young adults. She has also completed studies related to mental health service utilization, predictors of suicidal behavior, and evaluations of addiction treatment. She is currently involved in several efforts to translate research findings for practical purposes by parents and policy makers, including her leadership role in the Maryland Collaborative to Reduce College Drinking and Related Problems, an initiative that brings together Maryland colleges to address the problem of excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences on their campuses and in their communities. Moreover, much of her research has direct relevance to both clinicians and policy makers.