Current Studies

Current MSUTR Studies

A TWIN STUDY OF HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR ACROSS THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

This study investigates systematic changes in ovarian hormones (e.g., estrogen and progesterone) and behavior across the menstrual cycle in identical and fraternal female twins between the ages of 15-30 years. The aim of this study is to examine whether associations between ovarian hormones, mood, and behavior are influenced by genes. We are currently focusing our recruitment on twin pairs in which one or both co-twins are taking hormonal contraceptives. This study is directed by Dr. Kelly Klump.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please email us at klumptr@msu.edu.


A twin study of mood, behavior, and hormones in males

This project investigates the influence of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors on a range of psychological characteristics during puberty in male twins between the ages of 7-17 years. This study is directed by Dr. Kelly Klump and Dr. Kristen Culbert.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please email us at klumptr@msu.edu.


The Effects of recent stressors on families (Psychological symptoms of Covid-19)

In collaboration with the University of Michigan, the goal of this study is to examine the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact Michigan families over time and how earlier family functioning may play a role in these impacts and future outcomes for youth and families. We are currently following up with families that previously participated in The Twin Study of Behavioral and Emotional Development in Children (TBED-C).

If you have received information in the mail regarding this study and would like to participate, please click here.

For any additional questions about this study, please contact us at (248) 716-5887, or at msutrcovid19study@gmail.com.


Michigan Twin Neurogenetics Study (MTwiNS)

The goal of MTwiNS (Michigan Twin Neurogenetics Study) is to better understand brain and behavior development in a sample of twins. Specifically, using a twin design, we are collaborating with researchers at the University of Michigan to examine how differences in behavior emerge at the level of the brain. MTwiNS builds on The Twin Study of Behavioral and Emotional Development in Children (TBED-C). We are currently following up with families that previously participated in the TBED-C. These families include twins that are age 7 – 15 years old. During their visit, families engage in an MRI session, clinical interviews, family interactions, and self-reports from the child and parent. This study is ongoing and funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the NIH Office of the Director, and the Avielle Foundation.


michigan twins project

The Michigan Twins Project (MTP) is a survey of all twins, ages 3-55, in Michigan. The MSUTR collaborates with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who identifies twins from birth records and invites twins and twin families to participate in the MTP. Although our focus is on twins living and/or born in Michigan, we also welcome twins from outside of Michigan that are interested in our research.

The MTP consists of a questionnaire that can be completed online or a paper copy can be sent to you to complete and return to us by mail (by request). The MTP questionnaire includes questions about family composition and health status, and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The MTP questionnaire also provides an opportunity for interested participants to join the MSU Twin Registry and receive invitations to future studies.

Families with twins under age 18, complete one questionnaire for the family (both twins), while adult twins each complete a questionnaire for themselves. Participants are sent a gift card to thank them for their participation. This study is directed by Drs. S. Alexandra Burt and Kelly Klump.

If you have received information in the mail regarding the Michigan Twins Project and would like to participate online, please check your recruitment packet to find the specific web address and login information.

If you do not have this information or are experiencing problems logging in, please contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.

If you would like to participate in the Michigan Twins Project please contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.


IMAGING TWINS STUDY

This study is enrolling twin pairs between the ages of 18 to 45 years to study sex hormones in relation to brain and behavioral sex differences in affect and cognition. The study is directed by Dr. Adriene Beltz in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan and is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Kelly Klump’s lab at Michigan State University.

For more information, please contact the study team at (734) 647-5673 or MSDresearch@umich.edu, or visit sites.lsa.umich.edu/abeltz-lab.


Michigan Twins Project Follow-Up Study

The Michigan Twins Project Follow-Up Study seeks updated, developmentally appropriate information for twins and their families who previously participated in the Michigan Twins Project (MTP), now that the twins are older. The examination of developmental differences is a key aspect of the MSUTR, and we hope to conduct follow-ups with many of our twin families. Families who participate in the Michigan Twins Project Follow-Up Study are sent a gift card to thank them for their continued participation. This study is directed by Drs. S. Alexandra Burt and Kelly Klump.

If you have received information in the mail regarding the Michigan Twins Project Follow-Up Study and would like to participate online, please check your recruitment packet to find the specific web address and login information.

If you do not have this information or are experiencing problems logging in, please contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.

If you would like information on how to participate in the Michigan Twins Project Follow-Up Study, either online or via a questionnaire sent by mail, please also contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.


Healthy Twins Survey

We are collecting information on families that have been recruited for the Michigan Twins Project, but have yet to participate. To make sure our results are as accurate as possible, this study examines similarities between these families and those that have already participated in the Michigan Twins Project. Families who participate in the Healthy Twins Study are sent a gift card to thank them for their participation and are given the opportunity to be contacted about future twin studies offering additional financial compensation. This study is directed by Drs. S. Alexandra Burt and Kelly Klump.

If you have received information in the mail regarding the Healthy Twins Study and would like to participate online, please check your recruitment packet to find the specific web address and login information.

If you do not have this information or are experiencing problems logging in, please contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.

If you would like information on how to participate in the Healthy Twins Study, either online or via a questionnaire sent by mail, please also contact us at (517) 432-5604 or msutr@msu.edu.