Dr. Kenneth Rubin Awarded Grant from NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Kenneth Rubin was awarded a grant from NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health. He will be working with Boston University on the project, Examining Neurophysiological Predictors of Treatment Response to a Multi-Component Early Intervention for Socially Inhibited Preschoolers.
Rubin will be working with principal investigator Nicholas Wagner to examine these neurophysiological predictors. The research leverages a randomized control trial dataset to establish whether and how parents’ and children’s neurophysiological regulation across experiences of social stress predict treatment response, as well as whether these links are moderated by parents’ anxiety. Their research will hopefully establish the processes and mechanisms through which parents’ and children’s neurophysiological regulation predicts treatment response, clarify who might benefit from more intensive treatments, and provide preliminary insight into potential treatment targets.
The research is relevant to public health as it provides insight into the biological mechanisms underlying intrusive-controlling parenting behaviors. This can contribute to the resilience of children’s behavioral inhibition and aggravate the risk for anxiety disorders.
Rubin is a Professor of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland. He also founded and served as Director of the Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture.
