Infant Studies

The infant team at DCAN lab is studying maternal wellbeing, environmental impact on childhood outcomes, and infant brain development.

The infant team at DCAN Lab is currently doing research on infant brain development, environmental influences on child health outcomes, and maternal well-being. If you would like to participate in The Roo Study on Mom and Baby Well-Being, you can find more information below.

Ongoing Research

The Roo Study on Mom and Baby Well-Being

The Roo Study examines potential effects of a mindfulness intervention, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), during pregnancy. MBCT connects women with training in skills that promote well-being, reduce mood symptoms, and improve emotional responding during pregnancy and postpartum. We collect data on mental stress and well-being during pregnancy, as well as infant brain development and well-being postpartum. We examine infant brain development with an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This data will provide important information on mood and stress during pregnancy, and how it relates to infant brain development. Funded by NIMH and Medical Research Foundation of Oregon.

Maternal Well-Being Study

We are collaborating with Kristen Mackiewicz Seghete on this study to examine a stress reduction intervention during pregnancy. The focus of the Maternal Well-Being Study is to connect women with training in skills that promote well-being, reduce mood symptoms, and improve emotional responding during pregnancy and postpartum. We are currently using neuroimaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI) to examine how a mindfulness-based intervention, MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy), for pregnant women who may be at heightened risk for developing depressive symptoms may work to reduce mood symptoms postpartum. Funded by the NIH (1R21AT010292-01) and Medical Research Foundation of Oregon. 

PENGuIN Study

This study is part of a NIDA Center of Excellence with the University of Oregon. Our study within this Center is focused on examining cognitive and emotional processes in individuals from pregnancy through the first year postpartum and how these processes may be different in individuals who are in treatment for opioid use. Additionally, we want to understand how cognitive and emotional changes during the perinatal and postpartum periods are related to interactions between a parent and their infant. 

iOPEN Study

This study works with pregnant women, their partners, and infants to learn more about pregnancy, parenting and infant brain development. The study aims to learn about experiences of women in treatment for opioid use during pregnancy, as well as women who are not in treatment for substance use.

COPE Study

The COPE Study is a study that aims to learn more about people’s experiences and feelings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is in collaboration with NYU and is part of a larger, international COVGEN collaboration.