This study is being conducted to better understand how coaching mothers to support their young children’s emotions or behaviors may affect children’s emotional development and brain responses, and to explore ways to improve support for families experiencing maternal depression.

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

• Biological mother and her child ages 4-6
• Mother is experiencing symptoms of depression
• Mother takes care of the child at least half the time
• Mother and child are able to participate in the study together
• No history of bipolar disorder
• No history of psychosis
• Neither of child’s parents have history of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or neurological disorders
• Live in Pennsylvania
• Mother ages 18+

Overall Duration

The study lasts 5 weeks and includes 5 study visits. Two visits take place at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland, and three visits are completed virtually through secure HIPAA-compliant Zoom (or in person if preferred).

In-Lab Activities

During Visit 1, you and your child will come to the research office. Your child will wear a safe, painless EEG cap while playing simple computer games so researchers can measure brain activity. You and your child will also spend 10–15 minutes playing together, and you will complete interviews and questionnaires about yourself and your child. This visit lasts about 3–4 hours.

For Visits 2, 3, and 4, you will meet with a parent coach for about 1 hour each week. These sessions are usually held virtually through secure HIPAA-compliant Zoom, but they can also be completed in person if preferred. You will be randomly assigned to receive coaching focused on either supporting your child’s emotions or responding to your child’s behaviors. You will also complete brief questionnaires during these visits.

During Visit 5, you and your child will return to the research office for about 2 hours. Your child will complete another EEG while playing the same computer games, you and your child will participate in another short play session together, and you will complete follow-up questionnaires. Researchers may collect video recordings of parent-child interactions and EEG data to better understand children’s emotional development.

Participants can receive up to $440 for completing all parts of the study. Families will also receive up to $20 per in-person visit to help cover transportation or parking costs. Snacks and drinks are provided during office visits, and children can earn stickers and small prizes for participating.

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