Digital Programs

PBT (Project Brain Team) is a suite of four digital modules designed to teach children ages 9-12 practical coping strategies that are theorized to reduce the impact of IPC events on their mental health. We are currently conducting an optimization randomized controlled trial to assess the individual and synergistic contribution of the modules on children’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to IPC events. The next step will be to create a highly efficient and scalable program comprised only of active ingredients. The modules that demonstrate meaningful effects in the desired direction will be packaged and tested against a suitable control condition in an evaluation randomized control trial. PBT is currently supported by my active NIMH-funded career development award (K01MH120321; PI); we plan to apply for future funding in late 2025.

PEACE (Promoting Emotional security After Conflict Events) is a suite of three digital modules designed to help parents lessen the detrimental impacts of IPC on children's mental health, particularly during and following significant IPC episodes. While decreasing the frequency and intensity of IPC behaviors is crucial, it merely serves as an initial step. Eliminating IPC behaviors in parents who are separating or divorcing is unlikely, and children who experience IPC tend to become increasingly sensitive to it. Therefore, parents need to have methods for mending the relationship and fostering positive development in their children, mitigating the adverse effects of IPC. PEACE is currently supported by a seed grant from IMHR; an R01 grant to support an optimization randomized controlled trial is under review with NIMH.