Adolescent Depression Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in teens to better understand depression and how to change it.
Fast Facts
Experiencing feelings of depression
13-17 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting an innovative research study called SocialCARE, designed to help teens learn skills to support their well-being and improve social engagement.
Depression rates rise rapidly during adolescence, yet many teens struggle to find effective support for their well-being. The SocialCARE study aims to understand how teens’ brains engage with socially rewarding activities and to develop new ways to teach skills that support mood and resilience. Using advanced techniques like augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), this study explores how neurofeedback can help teens stay engaged and benefit from these skill-building activities.
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting an innovative research study called SocialCARE, designed to help teens learn skills to support their well-being and improve social engagement.
Depression rates rise rapidly during adolescence, yet many teens struggle to find effective support for their well-being. The SocialCARE study aims to understand how teens’ brains engage with socially rewarding activities and to develop new ways to teach skills that support mood and resilience. Using advanced techniques like augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), this study explores how neurofeedback can help teens stay engaged and benefit from these skill-building activities.
Additional Information
Many teens with depression struggle to find approaches that effectively support their well-being, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. This study aims to understand how brain activity relates to social engagement while learning skills to support mood. By using augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), researchers hope to develop a tool that gives teens real-time feedback on their engagement during these activities. This could lead to more personalized and impactful strategies for supporting teen mental health.
Your child may qualify for a study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13-17
- Experiencing feelings of depression
- Able to attend study visits at the University of Pittsburgh
3 In-Person Visits: Participants will come to the lab once a week for 3 sessions. These visits include diagnostic interviews, questionnaires, and skill-building exercises using an augmented reality headset and EEG cap to monitor brain activity.
Remote Follow-Ups: After the in-person sessions, there will be two follow-up check-ins (2 and 4 weeks later) to complete brief questionnaires.
Eligible individuals will receive compensation for participating.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
