Families – the Building blocks of Singapore (FABS STUDY)

Importance of the family unit
A strongly knitted family unit, from the start of pregnancy, has a powerful and positive impact on a child’s growth. Having two loving, supportive parents can provide the child with emotional warmth, support, and development of critical cognitive, emotional and social skills.

What does SICS hope to do?
The Families – the Building blocks of Singapore (FABS) study aims to understand parental factors that contribute to better emotional regulation and behavioural development in children, from pregnancy to early childhood. These factors go beyond just physical and brain health, and also encompass other factors such as marital quality and parenting styles.

We hope to develop more holistic and effective interventions and policies that can improve the lives of parents and their children. Join us in our mission to translate scientific findings into real-world solutions that make a difference!

How can you help?
You can participate in our study if you and/or your spouse are:

Mothers

• Aged 21 to 50 years old
• Below 17 weeks of pregnancy
• Proficient and able to respond to questionnaires in English
• Intends for you and your child to stay in Singapore for the next five years
• Access to a smartphone or standard laptop/desktop

Fathers

• Aged 21 to 75 years old
• Partner must be enrolled in this study
• Proficient and able to respond to questionnaires in English
• Intends for you and your child to stay in Singapore for the next five years
• Access to a smart phone or standard laptop/desktop

What should I expect?
You and your spouse will take part in computer-based cognitive games and questionnaires during pregnancy. Your child will be followed up, after birth till three years old, where we will assess your child’s cognitive, social and emotional development through a series of computer games and a magnetic resonance imaging brain scan to assess brain development. You will receive a report of your child’s neurocognitive and developmental assessment two years after birth.

Reimbursement will be given for your time. There are no additional costs associated with participating in this project.

To find out more, email FABS@sics.a-star.edu.sg, or simply fill in the form below.