Dyadic Neurofeedback for Development of Healthy Emotion Regulation in Youth

Adolescents with a family history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at heightened risk for depression and other mental health problems related to poor emotion regulation (ER). The proposed study will test the efficacy of a real-time fMRI dyadic neurofeedback (DNF) protocol to promote healthy ER-related neurodevelopment in female adolescents with a maternal history of ACEs. The proposed study will use DNF to provide neurofeedback from the adolescent's anterior insular cortex (aIC) to the adolescent's mother as the mother and adolescent engage in an emotion discussion task together. Parents and adolescents (n=35 active DNF; n=35 control) will communicate via microphones and noise-canceling headphones while the adolescent is undergoing fMRI scanning. Specific aims of the current study are to determine: 1) the effects of aIC DNF on the developing ER network in adolescents with a history of maternal ACEs, 2) associations between parenting practices during DNF and reduced adolescent aIC activation, and 3) longitudinal effects of aIC DNF on adolescent internalizing 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
• Body mass index between 16 and 40 (inclusive)
• Age 14-17 years

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria

for adolescent participants:

• Current or past psychiatric disorder
• Neurodevelopmental delay
• Medications influencing fMRI
• Medical conditions influencing fMRI