This study aims to better understand how mothers’ mental health and emotional skills relate to children’s mental health, social skills, and relationships.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mother experiencing depressed mood or intense mood swings
• Child is ages 7-9 and has a close friend who would be willing to participate
• No major medical illnesses that is associated with personality change or emotional regulation difficulties (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders)
• Child has a close friend of the same gender and similar age who would be willing to participate

There are two components to this study, and families may participate in one or both, depending on eligibility.

1. Attend an in-person visit: Your child and a close friend ages 7–9 will attend a 2–3-hour visit together. They will complete activities and interactions while researchers record their interactions and measure aspects of their physiology. Both mothers will also complete questionnaires about their children and their own mental health.

2. Complete a follow-up: Six months later, each child and their mother will complete questionnaires online.

For both components, researchers may also ask families to identify a primary teacher who can complete a short questionnaire about the child’s behavior at school. Teachers will be compensated separately for their time.

Compensation up to $180 total ($90 for each family).

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.