Our research focuses on understanding the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of depression in adolescents and adults. We are primarily investigating individual differences in response to stress and negative affect that precipitate or exacerbate depressive episodes, with a secondary interest in understanding comorbid anxiety disorders. Our work bridges cognitive, biological, and clinical science and uses experimental, longitudinal, and experience sampling techniques. Please see below for additional information about current research projects.
Current Studies:
The Comorbidity Project:
Epidemiological research shows that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) frequently co-occur. Compared to non-comorbid individuals, persons with comorbid MDD and SAD report greater impairment in social and occupational functioning and poorer response to treatment. In this study, we are examining how biological, emotional, and cognitive processes predict the course of depression and social anxiety symptoms. For more information, please visit http://anxietydepressionstudy.com.
The CONTROL Study:
The CONTROL study aims to examine differences in the ways people process information and how various factors can affect this information processing. Additionally, the study aims to better understand differences in biological processes associated with these changes. The study involves online surveys that you complete from home and an in-lab session where you complete different tasks on the computer. For those interested in participating, please visit UBC Human Subject Pool (HSP).
Culture, Anxiety, and Depression Study (CAD; online):
In collaboration with Shenzhen University, the CAD Study explores cross-cultural differences in the psychosocial risk factors for depression and anxiety. This study spans one academic year in order to capture changes in vulnerability and stressors students may face during their time at university. In particular, we are interested in comparing measures among Chinese international students in Canada, Chinese-Canadian students born in Canada, and Chinese students in China.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Exercise (ACE-EX) Study:
Adults with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at increased risk for various mental and physical illnesses. Physical activity may help mitigate the biological changes associated with ACEs and related health risks. In collaboration with UBC’s Fitness, Aging, and Stress Lab, we are studying the effects of an app-based physical activity program on biological factors in adults with ACEs. For more information, please visit https://acexstudy.kin.ubc.ca/.
Mood and Thinking (M&T) Study:
The Mood and Thinking Study (M&T) aims to examine the associations between the way you think and the way you feel. We are also interested in evaluating factors such as day-to-day experiences that may influence your patterns of thinking, emotions, and mood.
Family (FAM) Study:
Learning to regulate one’s emotions is part of growing up. In this study, we want to better understand how families and friends influence pre-teens’ emotional development and wellbeing. Specific questions that we are working to answer include: How do pre-teens learn to regulate their emotions? How do parenting styles influence this learning process? How can we use this information to support healthy emotional development in pre-teens? At this stage of the study, we are looking for pre-teens and their caregiver to come to complete some computer tasks and answer questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours during one remote Zoom session and one in-person session at UBC Vancouver. For more information, please visit https://blogs.ubc.ca/familystudy/.
Past Studies:
Study of Emotional Responsiveness (online):
In this study, we are interested in how changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic influence teen’s psychological wellbeing and social relationships. Teens between the ages of 12- and 18-years old who are fluent in English are eligible to participate in this study. Participants will be asked to complete a 1-hour online survey about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For more information, please visit blogs.ubc.ca/emotionalresponsiveness.
COVID-19 and Wellbeing (online):
The current COVID-19 pandemic represents a critical opportunity to understand predictors of resilience and wellbeing among the population. This project aims to investigate the impact of social isolation and stress on psychological wellbeing during this time. For more information, please visit www.covidstudy.ca.
Examining Milestones in Emotion Regulation, Growth, & Education (EMERGE; online)
In collaboration with 15 universities worldwide, the EMERGE project aims to examine trajectories of emotional processing, growth, and education in students across the transition to university. Further, this study presents a unique opportunity to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on predictors of wellbeing in this population.
Stress & Resilience:
This study investigates the link among stress, adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and symptoms of depression in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). We are also examining whether reductions in rumination mediate the relation between adaptive emotion regulation strategies and biological and emotional responses to stress.
Thinking Styles:
This research study aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying rumination by investigating the relation between rumination and cognitive control. Although past research has documented the effects of rumination on physical and mental health, we know little about the factors that drive it. We are using experimental and longitudinal designs to better understand ruminative responses to stress.
Students’ Transition to High School:
This study examines predictors of psychological distress versus resilience during the transition from elementary school to high school, an under-studied period of development during which rates of mental illness substantially increase. We are working to answer questions such as: What makes the transition from elementary school to high school difficult? What makes this transition easier? How can we use this information to help students during their transition to high school? For more information, please visit startinghighschool.ca.