The EMBODY Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you 20-35 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn how receiving harsh punishment and/or harsh words may shape the brain and body. Eligible participants are right-handed, have no ferromagnetic metal in their body, are willing to have an MRI scan, and are not taking medication for any psychiatric disorders. Compensation and parking are provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to help researchers learn how receiving harsh punishment, physical harm, or aggression and/or harsh, hurtful, or demeaning words can shape stress-related pathways in the brain and how these changes ma influence stress responses and mental health in adulthood. Understanding how these childhood experiences affect the brain may lead to developing methods of early detection, prevention, or treatment of mental health issues.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 20-35
• Right-handed
• Vision is normal or corrected-to-normal with glasses or contact lenses
• Not currently taking any psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants
• Able and willing to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic, have no non-removable ferromagnetic metal in your body)
• Not currently pregnant

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

The study requires 2 visits. The first visit will include questionnaires (up to 2 hours) and a clinical interview (up to 1 hour). The second visit involves an in-person MRI scan that will take 1.5 hours. Participants will also be asked to provide urine, saliva, and hair samples.