Mental Health and Social Connections Research Study
Researchers at Boston University are evaluating ways to support social connection in individuals diagnosed with specific conditions.
Fast Facts
Individuals ages 18+
Diagnosed with Specific Conditions
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Greater Boston Area
Study Background
Researchers at Boston University are evaluating ways to support social connection in individuals diagnosed with specific conditions.
We’re trying to help people with specific conditions feel more connected to others. We’re using smartphone apps to understand how people with and without mental health issues interact socially. We need volunteers aged 18+ who have been diagnosed with certain mental health conditions. If you are eligible, we’ll use sensors in your phone to see how socially active you are. You will also fill out short surveys for 14 days and meet us twice in person.
Our goal is to understand better why people with specific conditions sometimes feel lonely or isolated. We’ll use sensors in your phone, like GPS and movement trackers, along with quick surveys completed throughout the day. This will help us figure out how to support people like you better. We hope this approach will give us a clearer picture of social experiences and lead to more effective ways to help you feel less alone.
Study Background
Researchers at Boston University are evaluating ways to support social connection in individuals diagnosed with specific conditions.
We’re trying to help people with specific conditions feel more connected to others. We’re using smartphone apps to understand how people with and without mental health issues interact socially. We need volunteers aged 18+ who have been diagnosed with certain mental health conditions. If you are eligible, we’ll use sensors in your phone to see how socially active you are. You will also fill out short surveys for 14 days and meet us twice in person.
Our goal is to understand better why people with specific conditions sometimes feel lonely or isolated. We’ll use sensors in your phone, like GPS and movement trackers, along with quick surveys completed throughout the day. This will help us figure out how to support people like you better. We hope this approach will give us a clearer picture of social experiences and lead to more effective ways to help you feel less alone.
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychosis-spectrum disorder; bipolar I disorder; or major depressive disorder with psychotic features
- English speaking
- Ages 18+
- Ability to provide informed consent by themselves (no legal guardian needed to complete paperwork)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hospitalization for any reason within the past month
- Change in medications within the past month
- Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, history of stroke)
Active alcohol or substance use disorder
If you participate in this study, here’s what will happen:
- Review detailed study information with researchers and provide consent.
- Undergo clinical interviews, cognitive tasks, and questionnaires via Qualtrics, either in-person or remotely based on preference.
- Receive an Android device during an in-person visit at Boston University for the study’s duration.
- Download two mobile phone applications onto the provided Android device.
- Use the provided Android device for two weeks, answering brief questionnaires four times a day.
- Return the Android device to BU after the 14-day period.
- Complete additional cognitive tasks, a quick survey, and receive compensation in Amazon or Target gift cards.
Participants can earn up to $150 in compensation for completion of this study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
