Dyadic Neurofeedback for Emotion Regulation in Youth With Maternal Adversity

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.

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