Karim Ibrahim, PsyD

Multimodal Imaging Biomarkers of Cognitive Control Networks in Children with Disruptive Behavior (K23 MH128451): This study investigates the neural mechanisms of emotion regulation difficulties in youth with disruptive behavior. Disruptive behaviors include aggression, noncompliance, irritability, anger outburst, and/or easily frustrated. The study utilizes fMRI to identify brain networks involved in emotion regulation and that are implicated in childhood disruptive behaviors. Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, this 5-year study will enroll 135 participants between the ages of 9 to 12 years with varying levels of disruptive behaviors. A subgroup of participants will also be enrolled with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without co-occurring behavioral difficulties. Study participants complete parent- and self-report measures of emotion and social functioning, diagnostic assessments of child psychopathology including autism, and fMRI. This study leverages fMRI to understand patterns of functional connectivity across brain networks involved in emotion regulation in youths with disruptive behavior.

Effects of Social Media Content on Attention, Impulse Inhibition and Emotion Regulation in Youth (Yale Child Study Center Social Media Pilot Award): This study investigates whether social media use affects ADHD-related symptoms and cognitive control processes, including emotion regulation, in children and adolescents. Participants complete a brain scan (fMRI) and behavioral assessments, and measures of social media use. This research aims to inform evidence-based guidelines to help youth with ADHD engage in social media while reducing impacts on attention and emotional difficulties.

Neural Mechanisms of Emotion Regulation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS): This study leverages fNIRS to understand links between brain connectivity during tasks of emotion regulation and externalizing symptoms. Participants complete a fNIRS scan and behavioral assessments. This research aims to glean an understanding of underlying neural circuits governing emotion regulation and social processing across child mental health disorders.