Early Career Psychologist Awards

Early Career Psychologist Awards

The ECP Research Grant Program supports ECP research in the field of addiction psychology. For 2018, two ECP Research grants of up to $5000.00 each were awarded.   Please see below for more information on the funded grants.

Bringing real-time stress detection to scale: Development of a biosensor driven, stress detection classifier for smartwatches

ECP: David Eddie, PhD

Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Abstract: This project aims to characterize the autonomic nervous system correlates of stress-reactivity, both in laboratory and ambulatory contexts in order to inform the development of a biosensor-driven, stress detection classifier algorithm that can run on commercially available smartwatches. The specific aims of this research will be accomplished through an innovative study leveraging the strengths of traditional laboratory-based, psychophysiological research, and cutting-edge, in natura monitoring of stress and stress’ autonomic correlates using a combination of ecological momentary assessment of affect, and ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring. This research will facilitate the development of a stress detection classifier algorithm that will run on commercially available smartwatches. The clinical and health applications for real-time stress detection are numerous, but this technology holds particular promise for individuals in early recovery from alcohol use disorder for whom unchecked stress heightens risk for alcohol use and engagement in other maladaptive coping behaviors. By the end of the program of research outlined in this application, the goals are to have a working biosensor driven stress detection classifier algorithm ready to be linked to existing smartphone-based relapse prevention apps that will prompt patients with real-time coaching to mitigate alcohol use risk. This award is consistent with NIAAA and NIDA’s goal of developing innovative biologically-based, mobile health, substance use disorder interventions.

Formative research to adapt a behavioral economic alternative reinforce intervention with truant youth

ECP: Ali Yurasek, PhD

Institution: University of Florida

Abstract: Through the research described in this Early Career Psychologist (ECP) Research Grant proposal, the PI (Dr. Yurasek) will use a mixed-methods approach to obtain formative data to guide the adaptation of a behavioral economic (BE) intervention for delivery to marijuana (MJ) using truant youth and their parents. Although brief motivational interventions (BMIs) have demonstrated efficacy with adolescent substance users, parent-based BMI’s do not address behavioral economic mechanisms such as substance -free activities or future valuation which may limit their efficacy with truant youth experiencing a disruption of substance-free reinforcement. The proposed study is the necessary first step in improving the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and accessibility of substance use interventions for truant youth. This formative research will lay an essential empirical foundation for adapting a promising BE intervention (the SFAS) to address the unique needs of this population. This project will assess the needs and preferences of multiple stakeholders by collecting survey assessment data on relevant BE variables and conducting structured interviews with truant youth, their parents and truancy program staff. Findings will then be used to create and adapt the BE intervention. This study is a critical initial step in developing a culturally sensitive intervention for a community-based target population that has distinctive characteristics, needs, and preferences and should proceed summative evaluations of intervention efficacy. Findings will be used to formulate an R21 to conduct an open trial and a pilot randomized controlled trial of the adapted SFAS.