Principal Investigator: Autumn Kujawa, Ph.D.
Description
Overview:
The Mood, Emotion, and Development Lab is looking for pregnant volunteers to participate in a paid research study on emotions and mental health.
Those who qualify will be paid up to $595 in total for completing six study sessions. The sessions will consist of clinical interviews, questionnaires about mood and mental health, computer tasks, EEG recordings, and free play sessions with baby.
Participation:
This study involves six assessments spaced approximately 10 weeks apart. Three of the in-person sessions take place during pregnancy (at approximately 15-, 25-, and 35 weeks gestation) and one will take place approximately 5 weeks postpartum. The remaining assessments are fully virtual, occurring at around 15- and 25 weeks postpartum.
At all study visits, participants complete recorded interviews about their recent experiences and mental health history. Participants also complete surveys about their feelings, thoughts, relationships, new baby, and mental health.
During the four in-person study visits, participants complete computer tasks while the EEG is being recorded. Hair samples are also taken during these visits to measure cortisol and other hormones. They are taken noninvasively by cutting a small sample of hair from the back of the head, as close to the scalp as possible.
During the fifth and sixth study visits, participants complete a virtual free play with their baby. Participants sit with their baby on the floor with age-appropriate toys and play as they usually would for 10 minutes as video is recorded.
If you are interested in participating, please complete this screener: https://redcap.link/pregnancytoparenthood
Participant Criteria
Pregnant volunteers (up to 40-years-old)
Compensation
Participants can earn up to $595 for completing the study
Visit Requirements
Eight virtual sessions and four in-person sessions
Brochure
Download Brochure
Last Updated: Monday, May 11, 2026