Fast Facts
First-Time Expectant Mother
Identify as White/European American or Black/African American
and Ages 18-45
Compensation Provided
Conducted in New Haven, CT
Study Background
Psychological risks and protective factors can shape parenting behaviors and impact early infant development.
The transition to motherhood is a critical period that influences both maternal well-being and infant development. Psychological risk factors, including stress and mental health challenges, can shape parenting behaviors and impact early infant adjustment. However, the underlying neural mechanisms that drive these relationships remain poorly understood, particularly in diverse populations.
The PROMISE Study, conducted at the Yale Child Study Center, follows Black/African American and White/European American mothers from the third trimester of pregnancy until their infants reach 12 months of age. Through psychological assessments, EEG to measure brain activity, and behavioral observations, researchers aim to identify how maternal psychological risk and protective factors affect caregiving and infant outcomes. By incorporating a longitudinal design, the study seeks to provide deeper insights into the specific experiences of Black/African American mothers and inform targeted interventions to support maternal and infant well-being.
Study Background
Psychological risks and protective factors can shape parenting behaviors and impact early infant development.
The transition to motherhood is a critical period that influences both maternal well-being and infant development. Psychological risk factors, including stress and mental health challenges, can shape parenting behaviors and impact early infant adjustment. However, the underlying neural mechanisms that drive these relationships remain poorly understood, particularly in diverse populations.
The PROMISE Study, conducted at the Yale Child Study Center, follows Black/African American and White/European American mothers from the third trimester of pregnancy until their infants reach 12 months of age. Through psychological assessments, EEG to measure brain activity, and behavioral observations, researchers aim to identify how maternal psychological risk and protective factors affect caregiving and infant outcomes. By incorporating a longitudinal design, the study seeks to provide deeper insights into the specific experiences of Black/African American mothers and inform targeted interventions to support maternal and infant well-being.
Additional Information
Psychological risks and protective factors affect parenting and infant development from pregnancy through the first year of life. By studying both Black/African American and White/European American mothers, the research aims to uncover neural and behavioral mechanisms that shape caregiving, ultimately informing early interventions for maternal and infant well-being.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- First-time expectant mother
- Identify as White/European American and/or Black/African American
- Ages 18-45
- Not pregnant with multiples
What to expect if you participate in the PROMISE Study:
- Screening Call (10 minutes):
- A brief phone call to determine eligibility for the study
- Study Visits (6 total, across 12 months)
- Pregnancy Visit (T1) – 2.5 hours
- Sign consent forms.
- Complete psychological assessments and interviews.
- 4-Month Visits (T2) – Two 1.5-hour lab visits
- Mothers attend both lab visits.
- Infants participate in the first visit only.
- Complete online questionnaires before these visits.
- 8-Month Visits (T3) – Two 1.5-hour lab visits
- Mothers attend both lab visits.
- Infants participate in the first visit only.
- Complete online questionnaires before these visits.
- 12-Month Visit (T4) – 1.5 hours
-
-
- Mothers and infants complete this lab visit together.
-
- Additional Data Collection
- Birth information will be gathered from Yale New Haven Hospital (if applicable).
- A phone call will be made after delivery to check in on the baby and schedule the first 4-month visit.
-
Online surveys will be sent out to be completed before one of the T2 and T3 visits.
Location: All in-person visits will take place in the Greater New Haven area.
Participants will be compensated for their time and effort throughout the study:
- Pregnancy Visit (T1): $100
- 4-Month Visits (T2): $50 per visit (2 visits = $100)
- 8-Month Visits (T3): $50 per visit (2 visits = $100)
- 12-Month Visit (T4): $100
- Online Surveys (before T2 & T3 visits): $25 each (added to Visit 2 & Visit 4 payments)
- Completion Bonus: $50 for completing all visits and surveys
- Total Possible Compensation: $500
Travel and Transportation Support:
Up to $10 per visit for transportation costs (parking validation, Uber, or taxi fare).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.