Our Research
The Social Media Break Study
Are you considering a social media cleanse? Take a 7 day break from social media, the effects might surprise you.
We are currently recruiting U.S. adults ages 18-43 to study the experience of taking a week-long break from social media. Earn $50 plus a chance to win $20 raffle.
Please share this with others who might be interested. And reach out to ask us about the study! DMAPlab@Pace.edu
Active research
Under analysis
AI-Clinicians' Attitudes
This study assessed the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of psychanalytic clinicians regarding the emergence of large language models.
We have closed recruitment for this study in May 2026. This study is now in the analytic and writing phase.
If you have any questions you can email us at DMAPlab@Pace.edu
Under analysis
Remote Therapy Behaviors study
This study sought to learn about the experiences of receiving or conducting remote psychotherapy.
Eligibility for this study required called for participants who have received remote psychotherapy in the last three months of participating in the study, AND/OR a clinician that conducts remote therapy sessions.
As of May 2026, this study shifted into the writing phase
If you have any questions you can email us at DMAPlab@Pace.edu
Completed Studies
"Textual Healing," A mindfulness intervention via smartphone
Textual Healing is an app designed to help address the challenges of of cultivating meaningful, authentic, and compassionate exchanges in an age where technology-based modes of communication dominate interpersonal interactions. It tests the innovative possibility that a technology-based mindfulness intervention could help to cultivate the very qualities and character virtues that technology tends to inhibit—including awareness, compassion, empathy, responsibility, and accountability. Using practices informed by contemplative wisdom traditions, this intervention offers people an opportunity to pause, reflect and engage their deeper intentions before communicating.
In a small sample of 27 adult women, use of the app was associated with increased mindfulness, enhanced emotion regulation, and fewer risky texting behaviors (e.g. drunk texting, texting while driving) from pre- to post-intervention (see Trub & Starks, 2017).
With the generous support of the Center for HIV Studies and Education, we have updated the app to include a mindful keyboard that allows users to access mindfulness and emotional intelligence when using the phone. We recruited sexually active women ages 18-29 in a study that involved use of the updated app.
Recruitment for this study has concluded, but check back soon for updates on our findings!
