Teen Eating Habits Study
Researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University are conducting a study to better understand the connection between parents’ eating habits and their children’s eating behaviors, psychological well-being, and brain processes.
Fast Facts
Parent Has History of Bulimia Nervosa or Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms
Child Aged
12-17
Compensation Provided
Conducted in or around Richmond, VA
Study Background
Virginia Commonwealth University is conducting the Teen Health Study to better understand the connection between parents’ eating habits and their children’s eating behaviors and psychological well-being. This study involves both parents and adolescents aged 12–17, with parents completing interviews about their eating habits, psychological experiences, and physical measurements, while teens participate in questionnaires, interviews, computer tasks, and an MRI scan.
Through this research, VCU seeks to uncover factors that promote healthy development and those that may contribute to the risk of mental health challenges, such as poor body image or disordered eating. The findings aim to contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for mental health conditions.
Study Background
The Teen Health Study explores how children who have a parent with a history of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa symptoms factor into healthy development and mental health risks.
Virginia Commonwealth University is conducting the Teen Health Study to better understand the connection between parents’ eating habits and their children’s eating behaviors and psychological well-being. This study involves both parents and adolescents aged 12–17, with parents completing interviews about their eating habits, psychological experiences, and physical measurements, while teens participate in questionnaires, interviews, computer tasks, and an MRI scan.
Through this research, VCU seeks to uncover factors that promote healthy development and those that may contribute to the risk of mental health challenges, such as poor body image or disordered eating. The findings aim to contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for mental health conditions.
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Child ages 12-17
- Children who have a parent with history of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa symptoms
- Child with no history of disordered eating
Able to travel to Richmond, VA
If you and your child participate, the study will involve:
- Screening: Initial online or phone screening for both the parent and child to confirm eligibility.
- Visit 1: A 2–3-hour session (in-person or virtual) where:
- Parents will complete interviews about eating habits and psychological experiences and have their height and weight measured.
- Teens will complete questionnaires, interviews, computer tasks, and have their height and weight measured.
- Visit 2 (Teens Only): A 3-hour in-person session involving computer tasks and an MRI scan.
- Follow-Ups (Teens Only): 1-hour interviews and questionnaires approximately 6 months after Visit 2 and annually for the next four years (in-person or virtual).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
