Our lab uses experimental paradigms to isolate and measure individual differences in candidate mechanisms underlying internalizing/substance use disorders based on theory and pre-clinical research. Mechanism-targeted interventions are then developed and evaluated in RCTs to determine if change in a candidate mechanism impacts symptoms. We employ multiple methodologies in our work, including EKG, SCR, eyeblink startle, and EEG/ERP approaches. Listed below are our current areas of interest in psychological research.
Cognitive Control and Emotion Processing
Alterations in cognitive control and emotion processing have been associated with internalizing and substance use disorders. We focus on the clinical relevance of individual differences in inhibition capacity and sustained attention towards/regulation of negative emotional information across multiple disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, cannabis use disorder), with an emphasis on the interplay between inhibition and emotional information processing.
Negative Reinforcement
Dysfunctional avoidance of negative affect is a common feature of substance use and internalizing disorders. Our lab focuses on the relevance of individual differences in avoidance learning and related constructs (e.g., distress tolerance, stress-elicited drug cue reactivity) to understanding disorder risk and maintenance. We are currently focused on the interplay between acute stress responding, cannabis cue reactivity, and reward processing in the prediction of cannabis use disorder severity/chronicity.
Computerized Interventions
Evidence-based psychosocial interventions for substance use and internalizing disorders are costly, time-intensive, and difficult to access for many patients; further, many patients remain symptomatic after treatment or do not respond at all. We are interested in developing brief, computerized, mechanism-targeted interventions to enhance treatment response by matching patient subgroups defined by specific dysfunctional mechanisms rather than symptoms. Currently, we focus on interventions targeting low distress tolerance, impaired cognitive control during threat processing, and stress-elicited drug cue reactivity.
Psychometrics
In contrast to self-report and interview-based measures, the psychometrics of behavioral and psychophysiological individual difference measures are rarely evaluated. To be useful in the clinic, these measures must demonstrate good internal consistency and retest reliability. Thus, an ongoing focus of our lab is the evaluation and improvement of the reliability of behavioral/psychophysiological individual difference measures associated with internalizing/substance use disorders.