Research
The goal of research conducted in this lab is to understand how best to develop effective, engaging, and efficient prevention, intervention, and service delivery models for youth at high-risk for and those affected with Disruptive Behavior Disorders (i.e., Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional-Defiant Disorder, and/or Conduct Disorder) and related conditions. An important focus is on children that are considered at heightened risk for poor outcomes owing to the presence of multiple contextual, familial, and inter/intrapersonal risk factors. Below are our current studies. If you are interested in learning more about any particular study, please do contact us.
Research Projects
RAMP Study for Youth with ADHD
Funded through a three-year treatment development grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Refining Attention Memory and Parenting (RAMP) study addresses whether a combination of an evidence-based computerized working memory program that supports improvements in memory skills in children combined with an evidence-based parenting program that supports parents’ ability to effectively manage their child’s behavior will improve the social, emotional and academic functioning of youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We are currently recruiting families of children between the ages of 7-11 who show difficulties with ADHD (has a hard time sitting still, talks too much, has trouble listening and following directions, can't focus, is constantly on the go). If you are interested in learning more about this free research study or participating, please contact us.
Enhancing Fathers Ability to Support their Preschool Child
Engaging parents in prevention efforts is always challenging. One group that has notable challenges is fathers. Traditionally, males have often underutilized health services and have taken a secondary role in the care giving of their children, although they play a critical role in the successful development of their children. In an effort to address this issue, we have received a three-year research grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and pilot test an intervention comprised of multiple evidence-based components that target language/literacy in young children in order to engage and intervene in the relationship between fathers and their preschool child. We are fortunate to partner with Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens in this research project.
Understanding Treatment Adherence in Youth with ADHD and DBDs
Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) often are prescribed certain evidence-based interventions for their difficulties. However, adherence to these interventions is a significant issue. Many, if not most, youth with ADHD who are on medication do not adhere to their medication as prescribed by their physician. For those youth with ADHD or DBDs who participate in psychosocial intervention, adherence is equally problematic. This is concerning given that medication, particularly stimulant medication, and psychosocial interventions, particularly behavioral interventions, can be highly effective interventions for youth with ADHD and/or DBDs. The CHIPS lab, in collaboration with colleagues, is trying to better understand the factors related to less-than-optimal adherence to these interventions. Our goal through a series of studies conducted utilizing existing data as well as primary studies is to develop a model of adherence that can ultimately lead to targeted approaches to improve adherence to interventions for youth with ADHD and/or DBDs.
Adaptive Treatment Designs
Effective, engaging, and efficient service delivery models for youth with mental health difficulties are necessary to improve the often poor long-term functioning of affected youth. There is increasing recognition that in order for intervention/service delivery models to meet the needs of youth, these models must be tailored to the unique profile of these youth and must be flexible over time as a function of the youth’s response to treatment. Adaptive Treatment Design approaches are one way in which interventions are dynamically tailored and delivered over time in order to maximize effectiveness, engagement, and efficiency. In collaboration with local Head Start Centers in New York City as well as elementary schools in Long Island, we are in the process of developing Adaptive Treatment Strategies for preschool children and school-aged children, respectively.
Research Collaborations
We are fortunate to have several colleagues throughout New York City who share our vision of research and service to support children’s social and emotional health and we often have collaborative relationships with our colleagues on these studies. Below we describe these research collaborations, some that are also currently recruiting participants.
TEAMS
In collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Halperin at Queens College we are involved in the Training Executive, Attention and Motor Skills (TEAMS) study, a new research program funded through a two-year treatment development grant from the National Institute of Mental Health for preschool children (ages 4-5 year olds) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). TEAMS attempts to use game-like activities and physical exercise to promote the growth of neural processes that underlie the core features of the disorder (e.g., hyperactivity, impulsivity) as well as associated areas of difficulty (e.g., socialization, motor skills). These activities are implemented at home and in supervised playgroups at no cost to families and are coupled with extensive parental education about ADHD symptoms and associated impairments. If you are parent of a preschool child with difficulties in attention, activity, or impulsivity and are interested in learning more about this TEAMS, see the TEAMS website and/or contact us.
Multiple Family Groups for Youth with Disruptive Behavior Disorders
In collaboration with Dr. Mary McKay at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, we are involved in the evaluation of a Multiple Family Group (MFG) service delivery model for youth with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs). This study is being conducted across 12 community mental health sites across New York City and Long Island with the primary aim to determine whether the MFG model can better engage families in mental health services for their child with DBD and improve the social and emotional functioning of these youth. This project is funded through a 5-year research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.