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 typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In our lab, we also focus on understanding how parents who are raising a child with ASD 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.

Some of our newer research is focused on the effects of pet dog ownership on child and adult emotional development! We hope to involve the community in this research soon!

Information coming soon