Dyadic Neurofeedback for Emotion Regulation in Youth With Maternal Adversity

This study will examine the effect of a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) dyadic neurofeedback protocol with mothers and their adolescent daughters. Mothers will view a moving bar showing their daughters' brain activity on a computer screen while talking to their daughters.

The current study will determine the effects of a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging dyadic neurofeedback (rtfMRI-DNF) protocol that will train mothers with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to regulate adolescents' activation in the anterior insular cortex (aIC) - a key brain region for ER. The proposed study will test the efficacy of this protocol to promote healthy ER-related neurodevelopment in adolescents with a maternal history of adversity. The proposed study will use DNF to provide neurofeedback from the adolescent's aIC to the parent as the parent and adolescent engage in an emotion discussion task together. Parents and adolescents (n=10 dyads) will communicate via microphones and noise-canceling headphones while the adolescent is undergoing fMRI scanning. Specific aims of the current study are: (1) to determine the brain response to aIC DNF adolescents, and (2) to determine effects of DNF on parenting behaviors. This study is significant because engaging with parents in DNF can promote positive ER development in adolescents at risk due to the intergenerational effects of ACEs.

Participants will attempt to regulate their partner's brain activation in a specified brain region via real-time fMRI neurofeedback.

Activation in the brain region targeted for neurofeedback and associated regions at Session 1. We hypothesize that lower activity will indicate a better outcome.

Activation in the brain region targeted for neurofeedback and associated regions at Session 2. We hypothesize that lower activity will indicate a better outcome.

Change in resting-state activity over one week, from Session 1 to Session 2. Resting-state scan will last approximately 8 minutes.

Validating statements made by the parent participant during the scan sessions. Statements will be coded using the Parent-Child Validation/Invalidation Behavior Coding Scales (Schneider & Fruzzetti, 2002). Higher scores are indicative of a better outcome.

Change in frequency in validation as coded by the manual over one week, from Session 1 to Session 2. Validating statements are measured and recorded during the scan sessions.

Change over time in adolescent's responses to the Children's Report of Parent Behavior Inventory (Schludermann & Schludermann, 1988). The CRPBI has 3 subscales, each with a score range of 10-30. Interpretation/valence of the scores varies by subscale.

Change over time in adolescent's responses to the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2008). The DERS consists of 36 items rated on a 1-5 Likert scale (scale range: 36-180). Higher scores indicate greater difficulties with emotion regulation.

Change over time in adolescent's responses to the PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System) Pediatric Short Form Version 2 (Quinn et al., 2014). This is an 8-item scale with scores ranging from 8-40, with higher scores indicating more depressive symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria: All participants inclusion criteria: Biological female Sufficient English fluency to complete tasks Co-residing at least 4 days per week Inclusion criteria for adult participants: Primary caregiver for more than 50% of child's lifespan History of at least two adverse childhood experiences Biological parent of adolescent participant Inclusion criteria for adolescents: Eligible for fMRI Right-handed Body mass index between 16 and 40 (inclusive) Age 14-17 years Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria for all participants: Current psychiatric diagnosis Exclusion criteria for adolescent participants: Neurodevelopmental delay History of psychiatric disorder Medications influencing fMRI Medical conditions influencing fMRI