Adolescent Attention to Emotion Study - Girls Ages 13-15 and their Mothers

STUDY BASICS

Are you the biological mother of a teen girl aged 13-15? If so, you and your daughter may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about how girls pay attention to emotional information and how this is related to their risk for developing emotional disorders. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The teenage years are an important time for emotional development. The purpose of this study is to learn more about how girls pay attention to emotional information in their environment and how this is related to their risk for developing emotional disorders. Researchers hope their findings lead to better ways to prevent and treat emotional disorders in teenagers in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Teenage girls
  • Ages 13-15
  • No history of mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder
  • Have never taken any anti-depressant medications
  • No history of psychotic disorders
  • No history of autism spectrum disorders
  • Have never had a seizure and have no family history of epilepsy
• Mothers
  • Ages 21-65
  • Experienced depression during their daughter’s lifetime, or have no history of any mood disorders
  • No history of any psychotic disorders

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 3-4 visits over 12 months. Evening hours are available. COVID-19 precautions are in place for in-person visits and some visits may be done remotely.  

Each visit takes about 3-4 hours and involves completing questionnaires, participating in interviews, and having your daughter perform computerized tasks while wearing a cap that measures her brain waves (EEG). EEG assessments involve wearing a cap with some electrodes and are considered very safe. These procedures will be repeated six and twelve months later.

In some cases, researchers may provide feedback about potential mental health problems and refer participants for further treatment.