CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of PURPLE Cry Intervention

United States42 participantsStarted 2013-09

Plain-language summary

The proposed study is designed to investigate whether the PURPLE Crying program attains efficacy by optimizing the neural response in the anterior insula, and augmenting activity in regions of the brain known to be important for emotion regulation. The aim is to determine the effects of the PURPLE Cry Intervention by investigating the following: * independent variables that may affect a father's neural response to infant cries * effects of the PURPLE cry intervention, compared to a control intervention, on fathers' reported aversiveness and empathy in response to cry stimuli * effects of the PURPLE cry intervention, compared to a control intervention, on fathers' neural response to unknown infant cries compared to a tone control * effects of the PURPLE cry intervention, compared to a control intervention, on fathers' neural responses to own infant cries compared to unknown infant cries The investigators hypothesize: * prior to the PURPLE material, fathers' neural responses to infant cry stimuli will be modulated by the following variables: subjective self-reported emotional reaction to cry stimuli, hormone levels, sleep quality and quantity, sex of the infant, infant temperament, life stressors, parental expectations, personality (neuroticism), and father's own childhood experience * fathers who receive the PURPLE material compared to those that receive the control intervention will report a larger decrease in aversiveness and a larger increase in empathy in response to cry stimuli * fathers who receive the PURPLE material compared to those that receive the control intervention will show a larger decrease in activity in the anterior insula and amygdala in response to cry stimuli * fathers who receive the PURPLE material compared to those that receive the control intervention will show a larger increase in activity in regions of the brain important for emotion regulation, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and orbitofrontal PFC * fathers' neural activity in the amygdala in response to their own infant's cry stimuli will be positively correlated with both their own and infant testosterone levels

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * biological fathers of children age 2 months or younger who are currently cohabitating with the child's mother * fathers with normal or corrected-to-normal (with contact lenses) vision Exclusion Criteria: * history of head trauma, seizures or other neurological disorder * psychiatric illness * alcoholism or any other substance abuse * serious medical illness * claustrophobia * ferrous metal in any part of body

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in neural responses to infant cry stimuli

Timeframe: within one visit, pre and post PURPLE intervention, approximately 30 minutes apart

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02227979

SponsorEmory University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-02

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