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Moria Joy Smoski

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychology
Box 102505 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
2400 Pratt St, North Pavilion Room 6045, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


My research interests are focused on emotion regulation and reward processes in psychopathology, primarily in major depressive disorder.  I am interested in the translation of knowledge gleaned from cognitive neuroscience methods including functional neuroimaging to better understand and improve psychosocial interventions, including cognitive behavioral and mindfulness interventions.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2021 - Present Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Associate Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience · 2019 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Affiliate of the Center for Brain Imaging and Analysis · 2012 - Present Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published March 6, 2024
Using Mindfulness to Enhance Student Well-being

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Recent Publications


Regulating Negative Autobiographical Memories: An fMRI Investigation of Reappraisal and Distraction in Middle-aged and Older Adults.

Journal Article J Cogn Neurosci · February 1, 2026 Cognitive reappraisal and attentional distraction constitute two core strategies for regulating emotions. Prior studies have largely focused on young adults regulating simple laboratory stimuli, with few direct comparisons of brain regions that differentia ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Enhanced Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents: Impacts of Individualized Skills Coaching on Constructs of Suicidality

Journal Article Evidence Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health · January 1, 2026 Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death and significant concerns for adolescents and young adults. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is an evidence-based intervention that effectively reduces life-threatening behaviors. Limited r ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Duke/UNC ADAR Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Duke University Psychiatry Physician-Scientist Residency Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health · 2024 - 2029

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Education


Vanderbilt University · 2004 Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University · 1999 M.A.
Yale University · 1995 B.A.