We study the neurobiological basis of the human capacity to form and maintain affiliative bonds.  Our research is multi-disciplinary, behavior-based, and process-bound; studies are informed by developmental models, incorporate neuroscience methods, and typically involve longitudinal follow-up from infancy. We focus on neurobiological systems that underpin human attachments; the oxytocin system, in conjunction with other neuroendocrine system, and the brain basis of caregiving and social bonding.  Our work is guided by our conceptual model on biobehavioral synchrony which describes how natural social moments translate into meaningful human relationships. 

 A special focus of our work is untangling resilience.  We follow four cohorts from birth to young adulthood, including a healthy cohort and three high-risk cohorts: premature infants, infants exposed to maternal depression, and infants growing up in contexts of chronic trauma to chart biobehavioral markers of resilience from an affiliative neuroscience perspective.

 Our work builds on careful behavior observations, combined with brain imaging using fMRI, MEG, and hyperscanning EEG, hormonal analysis, psychophysiology, genetic and epigenetic techniques, and the gut microbiome.  Our lab includes a hormonal and molecular unit that specializes in assays of multiple hormones from various fractions in humans.

 Our empirical studies inform the construction of targeted interventions. We followed the effects of touch-based interventions to neonates across development and up to adulthood. We developed and implemented a video-feedback dyadic intervention for mothers with postpartum depression (link), the Tools of Dialogue^© – a dialogue-based intervention for youth growing up amidst intractable conflict (link), and the IWotCH^© (Inner World of the Child), a mentalization-based treatment of preschoolers with anxiety disorders and their families.