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Current Studies

Mental State Processing in Therapy

We are investigating how mental state processing changes over the course of a two-week transdiagnostic partial hospitalization treatment program for patients with severe and acute mental illness. Participants complete pre- and post-treatment measures and record each of their individual therapy sessions to facilitate coding of real time mental state processing. 

Factor Structure of Mental State Processing Abilities

Which mental state processing abilities should be distinguished and which are interrelated? We are asking this question in a meta-analysis that examines the intercorrelations of different tasks designed to assess mental state processing abilities. 

Completed Studies

Mental State Processing and First Impressions

We examined how mental state processing abilities lead to the formation of initial connections with others in a study of 334 young adults paired with a peer for a first time meeting. Participants independently completed tasks and questionnaires to assess mental state processing. Interactions were video recorded and coded for conversational and social skills.

Individual Differences in Adolescent Mental State Processing Abilities

In a study of 140 adolescents aged 12 to 18, we examined individual differences in mental state processing abilities and how they relate to cognitive functioning, social experiences, and mental health outcomes. A subset of this sample returned to the lab one year later to assess changes in mental state processing over time. 

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