She is primarily interested in how family dynamics and attachment security can affect the relationship among at-risk youth and suicidal behavior. She has communicated her research findings in academic journals including the Journal of Adolescent Health, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Journal of Family Issues, Violence and Victims, and JAMA. Dr. Sheftall is currently involved in a longitudinal study, which recruits adolescent inpatients from Clarity Child Guidance Center, that observes the development of adolescents over time who have been hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder.