Experiences of Asian American parents and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

PIs: Cindy Huang, Ph.D., William Tsai, Ph.D.

This longitudinal study examined the effects of COVID, discrimination, stress, and mental health for Chinese American parents during the pandemic. This study followed parents and adolescents from the onset of COVID-19 pandemic through one year (over four time points). Participants were recruited online (nationally) and in New York City.

Community Stakeholders

Charles B. Wang Health Center

 

Testing a Telehealth, Family-based, Prevention Intervention

PIs: Cindy Huang, Ph.D., Christine Cha, Ph.D.

We implemented the Family Check-up for Suicide Prevention (FCU-SP) via telehealth. Teens ages 11-17 years with depression symptoms and/or suicidal ideation and behaviors were recruited to join the study. Parents and teens provided outcomes measures at pre-test and post-test, which included assessments of suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors. Families who completed the FCU-SP Telehealth received family management support via weekly parent training sessions via telehealth and through the Everyday Parenting app.

Community Stakeholders

Funder: Emanu-El Teen Philanthropic Grant

 

Determining the Effectiveness of a Video-Based Social-Emotional Learning Program

PI: Cindy Y. Huang

IRB #19-230

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Open Parachute, an evidence-driven social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to destigmatize conversations on mental health in young people, and empower them with methods of self-acceptance, self-reflection, and transformation.  The program is delivered through a video-based format - a series of professionally produced videotaped interviews are played for the students, and followed by a set of discussion questions led by the classroom teacher.  The videos include psychoeducation information as well as real-life examples from adolescents and their experiences with mental health.  The corresponding materials include exercises aimed at promoting self-reflection, and discussion points for the class. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of participating in an evidence-driven SEL program (Open Parachute) on mental health awareness and other SEL competencies among middle and high school students in New York State.  Teachers’ acceptability of the program were evaluated through specific questionnaires about their perceptions on the program. 

Community Stakeholders

Open Parachute developer: Haley Watson, Ph.D.

School partners: South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt, NY and Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, NY 


School Connection Study: Assessing the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Social-Emotional Learning Program for Urban Youth

PIs: Cindy Y. Huang, Ph.D. and Sonali Rajan, Ph.D.

IRB #18-418

Our study evaluated 1) the fidelity and corresponding feasibility of implementing a creative SEL-driven classroom-based program, NaliniKIDS, among a sample of elementary school students and 2) the effectiveness of this program on student behaviors, student empathy, and the school’s climate.

Learn more about the NaliniKIDS program here: https://nalinikids.org/

Community Stakeholders

NaliniKIDS developer: Rupta Mehta

School partner: P.S. 66 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis


Preventing Suicide: Adaptation of Parenting Intervention for High-Risk Youth

PIs: Cindy Y. Huang, Ph.D. and Christine Cha, Ph.D.

IRB #17-415

Our study tested the feasibility of the Family Check-Up (FCU) as a suicide and self-harm prevention intervention. The Family Check-Up for Suicide Prevention (FCU-SP) adapted the traditional FCU by including measures into the FCU that allowed for improved assessment of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors. Learn more about the CAMHP project here