Studies in Progress
Sleep and Well-Being Study
We are examining longitudinal patterns of parent-infant co-regulation of sleep and stress physiology in low-income families with and without exposure to maltreatment and determining the extent to which co-regulation of sleep and physiological processes can distinguish adaptive from maladaptive parent-infant outcomes.
Funding support by: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Mindful Parenting and Problem Solving Study
In partnership with several child- and family-serving agencies in Colorado, we are testing whether participation in Mindful Parenting and Problem Solving intervention improves coping strategies, parent-child relationships, and service engagement as well as reduces stress-related concerns in families.
Funding support by: Fahs-Beck Fund for Research and Experimentation
Developmental Perspective in Child Welfare Study
We are exploring developmental differences in the social determinants of children’s health in children and families investigated for maltreatment. Specifically, we are examining the intergenerational continuity of health risk in parents and children involved with child welfare as well as the risk and protective factors that impact the health and behavioral outcomes of children exposed to maltreatment.
Funding support by: Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau
Relationships, Biomarkers, and Therapy Study
With colleagues from CSU, we are exploring the links between therapeutic mindfulness, couple communication, and biological and behavioral health indicators among individuals and families. We are also testing the Therapist In-Session Mindfulness Scale as a novel instrument to assess therapists’ mindfulness and to inform a mindfulness-enhanced training program for new therapist trainees.
Completed Studies
Mindfulness-Informed Intervention for Families Involved with Child Welfare
We developed and tested the effects of a mindfulness-informed intervention on parent well-being and family functioning among families involved with child welfare with co-occurring substance use concerns.
Funding support by: American Psychological Association Section on Child Maltreatment; Fahs-Beck Fund for Research and Experimentation