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

What is the purpose?

The purpose of the FEEL study is to understand how autistic and non autistic 3-5 year old children manage their emotions and the role of mothers and fathers in children's emotional experiences. 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.

Study Requirements:

2 visits to the TCU campus.
Children's language, cognitive, and social skills will be assessed at initial visit.
- Only one parent is required to attend the initial visit, but both parents are welcome!
Both parents and child will attend the second visit.

Participant Benefits:

Families will be compensated with $100 per visit.
Children will receive a prize to take home at each visit.

Who is eligible to participate?

3, 4, and 5 year olds
Both their biological parents
Children with and without a diagnosis of autism are eligible

If you're interested in participating in the FEEL Study, click the following link to fill out our interest form: https://tcu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1TcgeJrn8cI1jE

Or feel free to contact us to sign up!

(Weekdays, evenings, & weekends available! Sibling care provided!)

Families, Autism, and Child Emotion Studies

faces@tcu.edu

(817) 257-4185

Previous Research Studies

Relationships and Couples’ Well-being Study

Funded by the Lewis Foundation and the Mental Research Institute

This study was conducted by the TCU FACES lab and the Family Health and Development Lab at SMU. In this study, researchers investigated the relationship functioning of a couples raising a child ages 3-17. Couples were instructed to complete an online survey, then recorded on a zoom survey as they had three separate discussions facilitated by a research assistant.

Couples & Kids with Autism Study

Funded by the National Institute of Health

This study was conducted by the TCU FACES lab and the Family Health and Development Lab at SMU. This longitudinal study aimed to better understand the strengths and challenges of families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Verbal children with an ASD diagnosis between the ages 10-16 and both their parents (married or cohabitating) were elligible to participate.

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