Research

We conduct both funded and non-funded studies aligned with our research focus on anxiety and related concerns, trauma, and substance use comorbidity in youth and adult populations. Our work spans diverse populations, including community participants, outpatient and inpatient populations, and individuals in residential settings. We have studied children, adolescents, college-age young adults, and adults using a range of methodologies, including psychophysiology, behavioral observations, dyadic (e.g., parent-child) interactions, stress induction, drug administration, and self-report measures. Through these efforts, we aim to generate knowledge that informs clinical practice while addressing mental health disparities in diverse communities.

Ongoing Studies

MAMA: Managing Anxiety, Mood, and Alcohol during pregnancy

Lead PI: Andres G Viana, Ph.D. ABPP

Funded by: Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium

We want to better understand women’s anxieties during pregnancy and whether that contributes to their anxiety levels and alcohol use before, during, or after giving birth. We also want explore how well both the mother and baby adjust after birth in women who have experienced elevated stress and used alcohol before pregnancy.

If you are (1) 18-to-40 years old, 2) feel stressed, (3) 10-14 weeks pregnant, and (4) drank alcoholic beverages before your pregnancy, you may qualify for this study. If you are interested in participating, please email us at mamastudy@tamu.edu or click here.

Familias Unidas: Stress and Children’s Health in Latino Families

Lead PI: Karina Silva, M.A., and Jessica Hernandez Ortiz, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: Texas Psychological Foundation

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the relationship between Latino children’s experiences of stress, thoughts and feelings, and how parents may shape these thoughts and feelings. We are focusing on children ages 8 – 17 years because previous research shows that among children in this age group, early experiences can shape their feelings and thoughts. Research also suggests that the way parents and children talk about emotions may shape children’s feelings and behaviors.

If (1) you have a Latino(a) child who is between the ages of 8 and 17 years and (2) you identify as Latino(a), you may qualify for this study. If you are interested in participating, click here to see if you are eligible.

Completed Studies

Anxiety, Alcohol Use, and Social Context among Latinos

Lead PI: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

The purpose of this research study iwas to learn more about the relationship between stress and alcohol and drinking behaviors among Latinos. We tested these relationships during an experiment that involved both discrimination experiences and alcohol administration procedures. We focused on the Latino population because Latinos are the largest and one of the most rapidly growing ethnic minority groups in the United States and because previous research shows that Latinos may face unique challenges that increase their chances of using alcohol to manage stress.

Mother and Child Anxiety Study

Lead PI: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: National Institute of Mental Health

For this study, we recruited 105 mother-child dyads with anxiety disorders. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of maternal interpretation biases on child interpretation biases and child anxiety symptoms during an anxiety-provoking speech task. We tested the effects of positive interpretation bias training on maternal anxious behavior and on children’s and mothers’ perceptions of threat to an anxiety-provoking speech task. We also tested these effects on child behavior during an anxiety-provoking task.

CARE: Child-Mother Anxiety and Related Emotions Study

Lead PI: Erika Trent, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: American Psychological Association and American Psychological Foundation

The purpose of this research study was to learn more about the relationship between children’s thoughts and feelings of nervousness and fear, and how parents may shape these thoughts and feelings. We focused on children ages 8 – 12 years because previous research shows that among children in this age group, early experiences can shape their feelings of nervousness and fear. Research also suggests that the way parents and children talk about emotions may shape children’s feelings of nervousness and fear.

PDA: Perceived Discrimination and Anxiety among Balck Youth Study

Lead PI: Haley Conroy, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: Texas Psychological Foundation

The purpose of this research was to better understand how the increased exposure to racial discrimination and systemic racism following George Floyd’s murder may impact Black children’s feelings and behaviors, including anxiety symptoms. Our goal was learn more about perceived discrimination and feelings of anxiety and fear in Black American youth so that we can make better treatments.

Child Stress and Anxiety Study

Lead PI: Liz Raines, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: National Institute of Mental Health (F31)

We did this study to learn about relationships between children’s thoughts and feelings of nervousness and how stressful events may influence these thoughts and feelings. Stressful life events have been associated with self-control difficulties which are also related to problems with anxiety. Understanding the relationships between stressful life events and self-control can lead to better treatments for anxious children.

HAPPY: Helping with Anxiety Program for Parents of Youth

Lead PI: Abigail Candelari, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: Texas Psychological Foundation

This investigation piloted and refined a theoretically informed and brief internet-delivered single-session intervention (SSI) for parents specifically aimed at reducing parental accommodation and overcontrolling behaviors, which have been shown to increase anxiety in youth.

Parenting and Anxiety among Latinx Youth

Lead PI: Emma Woodward, M.A.

Advisor: Andres G. Viana, Ph.D., ABPP

Funded by: Unfunded.

This study examined whether Latino parents' supportive emotion socialization behaviors were associated with reduced emotion regulation difficulties and lower anxiety in their children. Additionally, it explored cultural moderators, such as familismo, in these relationships.

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