The Regulation of Emotion and Attachment in Callous-Unemotional Traits (REACT) Study
Current Project
In partnership with the Child Development Institute (CDI) and the Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) Program, the REACT Study aims to understand differences in emotion reactivity and regulation across Primary and Secondary Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits in children and late adolescents.
Preliminary studies have shown evidence for emotional processing differences (e.g., emotion recognition, reactivity and regulation) across primary and secondary CU traits, however no study has systematically tested differences across both emotional processing domains within the same sample, thus making this the first project to do so. Emotional processing develops in the context of attachment relationships, thus considering both is salient. This study will use a multi-method approach, including behavioural, experimental and physiological measures to examine emotional processing and attachment among children at multiple time points prior, during and after completion of SNAP program. We will also collect a small sample of late-adolescents draw from undergraduate populations.
The REACT Study is currently funded by a SSHRC Insight Development grant. Previously, the REACT study was awarded a Canadian Foundation for Innovation grant in 2024.
About Our Partner
The Stop Now And Plan (SNAP ©) program at Child Development Institute (CDI) is a 13-week evidence-based group for children ages 6-12 with behaviour problems, and their caregivers. This program addresses emotional processing by helping children to understand others’ emotions, and to focus on their own physiological responses (e.g., arousal), thoughts, and feelings. SNAP is effective in improving behaviour problem, emotion regulation, reactivity, prosocial behaviour (i.e., the opposite of CU traits), and impulsivity.
Some of the SNAP programs include: SNAP Boys, SNAP Girls, SNAP Youth Justice, and SNAP schools.