The Research Process
The Research of Infant-Parent Partnership of Lived Experiences (RIPPLE) Project is a comprehensive longitudinal study led by Principal Investigator Dana Shai, Ph.D. Our research extends understanding of the transition to parenthood, the emergence of family dynamics, and parent-infant relationships, with a particular focus on children's socio-emotional functioning.
The study involves 104 expectant couples, recruited during the third trimester of pregnancy. We follow these families across eight testing times: prenatally, and at 3, 6, 9, 18, 24, 48, and 90 months postpartum. Data is collected through lab visits, home visits, telephone interviews, and online questionnaires.
RIPPLE adopts a systems approach, recognizing the interdependence among all family members. We examine various aspects of family life, including parental expectations, spousal relationships, and co-parental dynamics. Our mixed-method design incorporates self-reports, in-depth interviews, observational measures, and biomarkers to offer a comprehensive investigation of complex socio-emotional human functioning.
Key areas of focus include:
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Emotion regulation in parents and infants
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Mentalizing abilities
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Attachment patterns
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Stress and coping mechanisms
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Empathy development
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Vocal and sleep patterns
By combining traditional research methods with progressive, experimental approaches, the RIPPLE Project aims to provide valuable insights into early family life and its lasting impact on child development. Our findings contribute to the scientific understanding of family dynamics and inform strategies for supporting new parents and promoting healthy childhood outcomes.
