Supervising Faculty: Dr. Andrea Goldschmidt
Contact: BITELab@upmc.edu
Area of Research: Clinical Psychology
Description of Research: Our research is broadly focused on investigating the etiology and course of maladaptive eating behaviors (e.g., loss of control eating, overeating) in children and teens, including how these relate to body weight and psychosocial functioning in the short- and long-term, and translating understanding of onset and maintenance factors into efficacious prevention and early intervention programs. We currently have three active studies focused on mechanisms and treatment of dysregulated eating in youth: Project THINK (Trajectories of Health, Ingestive behaviors, and Neurocognition in Kids), Project REST (Regulation of Eating and Sleep Topography), and Project VIBE (Virtual Intervention for Binge Eating). Project THINK is a longitudinal study observing how eating behaviors and executive functioning change during the transition from childhood to adolescence. Project REST examines how sleep affects eating behavior and self‑regulation in daily life among children ages 8-12. Project VIBE is designing and evaluating a mobile intervention for dysregulated eating and weight gain prevention in adolescents. Across these studies, we use methodologies such as neuroimaging (fMRI), ecological momentary assessment (delivering surveys multiple times per day via smartphone; EMA), and sensor-based tools such as sleep actigraphy watches.
In addition to these projects, we also conduct research designed to improve identification and management of eating disorders in community healthcare settings. One project, Project SKATE (Screening Kids And Teens for Eating disorders), is focused on validating a brief screening tool for eating disorders in children and adolescents, and the other, PCPs4EDs, is focused on engaging with community members to understand how primary care clinicians communicate with their pediatric patients about eating and weight.
Duties of Students: Any interested students will assist with running study visits, preparing study visit materials, entering data, and contributing to papers or poster presentations.
Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
- STAT 0200/1000/1100- Statistics
- PSY 0036 Research Methods Lecture
- PSY 0037 Research Methods Lab
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Number of Students: 3
Website: www.bite.pitt.edu