The early years set the foundation for mental health across the lifespan

Our team is committed to promoting positive mental health outcomes for children and their families through science that informs prevention and intervention.

We are a research group that studies the impact of early adversity in early childhood and identifies early prevention and intervention approaches that promote resilience. Based in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and directed by Dr. Nicole Racine, we partner with community organizations, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience to contribute to the best possible start for children and their families.

Research Projects

In collaboration with research teams and our community partners, the Early Lab pursues the following main lines of research. You can view a list of our recent publications on Google Scholar or ResearchGate.

  1. Evaluating and Implementing Early Intervention Programs for Young Children Exposed to Adversity

  2. Intergenerational Transmission of Childhood Adversity

  3. Understanding Risk and Protective Factors for Children Exposed to Adversity

  4. Equitable Trauma Treatment Access for Children and Families Exposed to Adversity

Embedding research in infant and early childhood mental health settings

Intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment among Black families: A scoping review

Adverse childhood experiences and trauma symptoms in maltreated children: The role of child and caregiver protective factors

Featured Publications

Meet Our Team

Dr. Nicole Racine is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is joined by a passionate and hard-working team at the early lab. Learn more about the team, and for volunteer or employment opportunities, click here:

Announcements

Interested in the Early Lab?

Contact us

Address
136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier 5027
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada

Phone
403.992.7869

Email
nracine2@uottawa.ca