My Research

Research Interests

Codevelopment of Behavior Problems

I am fascinated by how internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) and externalizing (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity) problems codevelop across childhood and adolescence. Using diverse methodologies in my own research, I aim to explore the etiology, dynamics, and distinct patterns of codevelopment. With my work, I like to examine the phenomenon from various temporal perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Substance Use

I have had the rare opportunity to gain both clinical and theoretical training in substance use disorders and treatment. Maintaining interest in the etiology, prevention, and intervention of psychopathology and youth substance use, I aspire for my work toeventually inform the development of effective, individualized substance use prevention programs.

Statistical Methodologies

My extensive applied training in various research methods has allowed me to understand my topic of interest in much more depth. While I see value in all statistical approaches, I hold a particular interest in person-centered methods. Probably because these methods enable me to explore the rich complexity and inherent diversity of human behavior?

Empowerment
of Neurodiverse
Individuals

Over the past 1.5 year, I have developed a strong interest in bridging the gap between strengths-based perspectives on neurodivergence (ADHD, autism) and graduate student well-being. I really want to explore the perceived strengths and challenges faced by doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees on the neurodivergent spectrum. I aspire to reshape perceived "deficits" as strengths within academia (to start with!). This shift in perspective not only fosters a more positive and supportive environment for these students but also leverages their remarkable cognitive abilities to innovate and think outside conventional boundaries. I believe that by providing the necessary adjustments in the social environment and expectations of how things are done, we will be able to ultimately help advance scientific progress.

Research Highlights

Papers

Seay, D. M., Ivanova, M. Y., Nickerson, A. B., Godleski, S., Schuetze, P., & Eiden, R. D. (2023). Family risk exposure profiles during early childhood: Developmental processes and adolescent well-being. Adversity and Resilience Science, 4, 151-170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-023-00090-4 PMCID: PMC10426761

Eiden, R. D., Perry, K., Ivanova, M. Y., Marcus, R. C. (2023). Prenatal substance exposure. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, 5. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-devpsych-120621-043414

Level, R. A., Shisler, S. M., Seay, D. M., Ivanova, M. Y., Kelm, M. R., Eiden, R. D., & Schuetze, P. (2021). Within- and between-family transactions of maternal depression, parenting, and child engagement in the first two years of life: Role of prenatal maternal risk and tobacco. Depression and Anxiety, 38, 1279–1288. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.23211

Conference Presentations

Ivanova, M. Y., Cardozo, F., Seay, D. M., Chattoraj, T., Serban-Dragan, F. B., & Eiden, R. D. The hidden architecture of well-being: Untangling the knots, threads and networks of risks and protective factors for Black, Hispanic and White youth. [SPR 2024] *Winner of the 19th Annual Sloboda and Bukoski SPR Cup Competition*

Ivanova, M. Y., Livingston, J. A., Jones, D. E., & Eiden, R. D. Lon-term effects of paternal alcohol use problems and family conflict on adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems: Additive or protective effects of parent-child attachment styles? [SPR 2024]

Ivanova, M. Y., Mattern, H. M., & Scherf, S. Breaking the mold and celebrating us for us: A qualitative exploration of the unique needs and untapped potential of neurodivergent scholars in the academic terrain. [APS 2024]

Ivanova, M. Y., Perry, K. J., Masum, M., Rahal, D., Richards, V. L., & Staff, J. Heterogeneity in protective factors as a buffer for unique risk factors and cigarette use. [SPR 2023] *Finalist at the 18th Annual Sloboda and Bukoski SPR Cup Competition*

Ivanova, M. Y., Stull, S. W., Eiden, R. D., Nickerson, A. B., Ostrov, J. M., Godleski, S. A., Schuetze, P., & Linden-Carmichael, A. N. Profiles of co-occurring internalizing and externalizing problems and adolescent substance use. [CSUA 2023] *Best poster award*

Ivanova, M. Y., Seay, D. M., Perry, K. J., Eiden, R. D., & Linden-Carmichael, A. N. Time-varying associations between early childhood internalizing and externalizing problems: Codevelopment and sex differences. Symposium: “Continuing the quest towards understanding co-occurring internalizing and externalizing problems: Methodologies, risks, and clinical implications.” Chair: Miglena Y. Ivanova. Discussant: Daniel Shaw. [SRCD 2023]

Ivanova, M. Y., Seay, D. M., Zhao, J., Schuetze, P., & Eiden, R. D. Prenatal substance exposure and environmental risk influences on codeveloping internalizing and externalizing trajectories. [SRCD 2023]

Ivanova, M. Y., Herrera, K. C., Godleski, S. A., Feinberg, M. E., Derman, K., & Eiden, R. D. Navigating the digital landscape: Insights, lessons learned, and recommendations for social media recruitment for clinical trials. [SPR 2024]

Ivanova, M. Y., Herrera, K. C., Godleski, S. A., Feinberg, M. E., Colder, C. R., Derman, K., Sassaman, J., & Eiden, R. D. Recruiting in times of COVID-19: Traditional vs. social media recruitment methods for a randomized clinical trial of first-time expecting parents. [SRCD 2022]