Research
The program of research in the TCU FACES research lab utilizes a developmental psychology approach to understand children's social and emotional development. We study how intrinsic (e.g., temperament) and extrinsic (e.g., parenting) factors impact children's emotion regulation. We study these processes in neurotypical children and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In our lab, we also focus on understanding how parents who are raising a child on the autism spectrum cope with the various challenges associated with parenting a child with a developmental disability. Using a positive psychology approach, we focus on understanding factors that promote positive psychological functioning.
Ongoing Research Studies
Family Engagement in Emotional Learning (FEEL) Study
The FEEL study examines emotion regulation (ER) in autistic and non autistic preschool-aged children as well as trying to better understand how mothers and fathers impact their child's emotions. The FEEL study aims to identify whether emotional experiences are different for autistic children and non autistic children. Among children diagnosed with autism, we are also interested in learning more about how autism-related behaviors impact children's emotional experiences.
Participating in this study requires mothers, fathers, and their child to come to the TCU campus. Parents are compensated for their time with gift cards and children receive a prize to take home.
Stay tuned for information on how to sign up!