With a longstanding interest in the social-cognitive basis of psychopathology across the lifespan, our lab's current focus is on understanding personality disorder Criterion A (self- and interpersonal function) as it relates to other aspects of personality pathology and psychopathology more general. These interests translate into several Assessment-focused studies which we describe below. We are also interested in interventions that may target Criterion A function in populations affected by personality pathology but also populations where attachment disruption occurred. This interest translates into several Intervention-focused studies which we describe below.

Pathways to Personality Disorder: Combining Multiple Methods of Repeated Assessment Across Development and in Daily Life (NIH funded)

(Project leader: Kennedy Balzen)

Very little research has examined the development of personality disorder (PD), despite the well-established onset of PD in adolescence. The objective of this dissertation study is to leverage 17 years of longitudinal data from the Preschool Depression Study (PDS) in which 35% of the sample exhibit clinically-significant symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) as now emerging adults, and to combine this rich data with proposed new data collection via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to identify the developmental trajectories of daily-level personality functioning. This study is funded by an NIMH F31 grant awarded to Kennedy Balzen. 

Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers for Community-based Organizations (MISC-HC)  (Early Childhood Resiliency Fund)

(Project leader: Kiran Boone and Aashna Shah)

Following our research on MISC in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), we are investigating the effects of a 32-week intervention on the mental health and caregiving of mothers who have experienced IPV and the mental health of their children. Working with graduate student clinicians, mothers participating in the study will receive 16 sessions of the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) and 16 sessions of Healing Circles, a trauma-informed intervention. Our collaborators include Dr. Judith McFarlane and Dr. Quenette Walton.

Dyadic Effects of Personality Functioning in Couples (self-funded)

(Project leader: Charlotte Zell)

Personality pathology is linked to substantial difficulties in romantic relationships, including conflict, dissatisfaction, and violence. Previous couples research, however, has largely relied on traditional, categorical models of personality pathology. This study focuses instead on impairment in self- and interpersonal functioning – Criterion A of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders in DSM-5 Section III. By examining self- and interpersonal functioning in both partners through self-report, partner-report, and interview methods, we aim to provide a more comprehensive and clinically relevant understanding of the impact of personality on relationship attitudes and behaviors.

Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers for Community-based Organizations (MISC-CBO)

(Project leader: Bree Cervantes)

This R01 funded five-year study is a cluster randomized control clinical trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of a one-year mentalization-based intervention (MISC) in community-based organizations with caregivers who take care of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. In this study, we are partnering with NGOs and 24 local Community Based Organizations to empower careworkers in their work with orphans. Our collaborators are Prof. Lochner Marais, Dr. Michael Boivin, Dr. Felicia Wu, Dr. Jessica Sales, Dr. Paulina Kulesz, Mr. Molefi Lenka, and Mr. Joe Serekoane.

Treatment Outcomes for the Adolescent Diagnosis Assessment Prevention and Treatment Center (UH-ADAPT)

(Project leader: Kiran Boone)

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of psychopathology, and efforts to improve diagnosis, assessment, and treatment in adolescence are imperative to help to prevent long-term mental health difficulties. This study aims to improve mental health treatment for adolescents and young adults with emotional and interpersonal problems by collecting baseline and follow-up data following diagnostic assessment (abbreviated or comprehensive evaluation) and/or throughout the course and after completion of group therapy treatment. Our goal is to answer these research questions: 1) What is the relationship between social cognition, emotion regulation and psychopathology in our population? 2) Is outpatient group treatment aimed at addressing interpersonal and emotional dysfunction effective for adolescents and young adults? 3) What interpersonal and emotional mechanisms account for clinically meaningful change during and post-treatment? This research is conducted with youth and families at our lab’s adolescent clinic, the UH-ADAPT Center, which is directed by Dr. Sharp. Our research on the effectiveness of group treatment has also been supported by a grant from the American Psychological Foundation.

Radically Open DBT Biosocial Research

(UH project leaders: Kennedy Balzen)

The purpose of this study is to test the biosocial theory of overcontrolled coping in a sample of adolescents and their parents. The study will first validate a novel parent questionnaire assessing parental caregiving styles theoretically thought to assess maladaptive parenting associated with overcontrol, and second, examine other caregiving styles that may perpetuate temperamental characteristics of overcontrol in adolescents in relation to coping outcomes, such as emotional inhibition and psychological inflexibility, and symptom presentations. This study is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Karyn Hall at the DBT Center of Houston, Lori Prado, LMHC, LPC-S, at the Center for Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies in San Antonio, and Dr. Kirsten Gilbert at Washington University in St. Louis.

A Study of Self-Function in Young People

(Project leaders: Jess LaRocca)

Section III of the DSM-5 proposes an alternative model for conceptualizing personality disorders that moves away from traditional diagnostic criteria and emphasizes the more broad areas of self- and other- functioning. Deficits in these domains are prominent in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. This study seeks to utilize this new framework to examine the relationship between self- and other- functioning, features of Borderline Personality Disorder, and identity in college students.

Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) for Survivors of Domestic Violence

(Project leaders: Bree Cervantes and Kaylee Tran)

This R01 funded four-year study will test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a one-year mentalization-based intervention (MISC) for mothers who have been victims of domestic violence. In this study, we are partnering with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council to empower mothers in their relationships with their children. Our collaborators are Ms. Barbie Brashear, Dr. Julia Babcock, Dr. Julie McFarlane, Dr. Quenette Walton, Dr. Paulina Kulesz, Dr. Ernest Jouriles, and Dr. Cilly Shohet.