Family Connections in Recovery Study
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are conducting a study on parenting and recovery for families with children ages 6–12.
Fast Facts
At Least 1 Parent Has Sought Treatment or Recovery Support For Alcohol or Drug Use Within The Past 5 Years
Parent of a Child Ages 6-12
Compensation
Provided
Conducted By UNC-CH at Locations Throughout NC
Study Background
Helping children thrive when a parent is in recovery.
If you or your child’s other parent has been in treatment or recovery from alcohol or drug use, this study is for you and your child. Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are exploring how parents in recovery support their children’s emotional well-being through connection, gratitude, and love. We want to learn more about the ways you help your child grow, so we can better design programs that build resilience in families like yours.
In one two-hour visit, you and your child (aged 6–12) will complete fun activities, such as playing a game and having conversations with a researcher. Some parts of the visit you’ll do together, and others separately. Your family’s experience will help researchers understand how to strengthen parent–child relationships during recovery.
Study Background
Helping children thrive when a parent is in recovery.
If you or your child’s other parent has been in treatment or recovery from alcohol or drug use, this study is for you and your child. Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are exploring how parents in recovery support their children’s emotional well-being through connection, gratitude, and love. We want to learn more about the ways you help your child grow, so we can better design programs that build resilience in families like yours.
In one two-hour visit, you and your child (aged 6–12) will complete fun activities, such as playing a game and having conversations with a researcher. Some parts of the visit you’ll do together, and others separately. Your family’s experience will help researchers understand how to strengthen parent–child relationships during recovery.
Additional Information
This study is designed to understand how families affected by addiction grow stronger, especially through parenting that supports love, gratitude, and giving. We’re using what we learn to develop better supports for parents in recovery.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Have a child ages 6-12
- At least one parent has sought treatment or recovery support for alcohol or drug use within the past 5 years (e.g., attending AA, NA, or a rehabilitation program)
- Able to attend in-person session with child
- Participating parent has at least weekly contact with child
You and your child will attend one in-person session that lasts about 2 hours, and the researchers can come to you. You’ll play games, complete surveys, and talk with a researcher. Some parts are done together and others separately. A heart rate monitor will be used during a short portion of the session for parents.
Yes! Families receive a $130 gift card to Target, Walmart, or Amazon. Children will also get to choose a toy. We offer free parking, snacks for kids, childcare if needed, and taxi transportation if requested during screening.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
We have locations throughout NC that may include a treatment center near you or a home visit.
STUDY ID#23-0596 approved by the UNC Institutional Review Board (919-966-3113) or IRB_subjects@unc.edu