Adolescent Anxiety Research Study
Researchers at Temple University are conducting a study on social anxiety in youth to better understand how brain responses relate to anxiety symptoms over time.
Fast Facts
Child With
Social Anxiety
9-13 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Philadelphia, PA
Study Background
Is your child between the ages of 9 and 13 with social anxiety? They may be eligible to participate in a paid brain imaging study exploring how kids respond to social situations.
Social anxiety (e.g., avoids group activities, worries about being judged, appears very withdrawn in social situations) often begins in childhood and can become more intense during early adolescence. While it’s common for kids to feel nervous in social settings, for some, these feelings can develop into persistent anxiety that impacts their daily lives. The Social Processing Over Time (SPOT) study, led by researchers at Temple University, is working to understand why social anxiety develops in some kids but not others.
This study uses brain imaging (fMRI) to examine how children’s brains react to peer-related social situations. Researchers are recruiting children ages 9 to 13, who have social anxiety to participate in this important two-year study. By learning how brain activity relates to future anxiety symptoms, this research could help improve early identification and treatment for children at risk.
Study Background
Is your child between the ages of 9 and 13 with social anxiety? They may be eligible to participate in a paid brain imaging study exploring how kids respond to social situations.
Social anxiety (e.g., avoids group activities, worries about being judged, appears very withdrawn in social situations) often begins in childhood and can become more intense during early adolescence. While it’s common for kids to feel nervous in social settings, for some, these feelings can develop into persistent anxiety that impacts their daily lives. The Social Processing Over Time (SPOT) study, led by researchers at Temple University, is working to understand why social anxiety develops in some kids but not others.
This study uses brain imaging (fMRI) to examine how children’s brains react to peer-related social situations. Researchers are recruiting children ages 9 to 13, who have social anxiety to participate in this important two-year study. By learning how brain activity relates to future anxiety symptoms, this research could help improve early identification and treatment for children at risk.
Additional Information
The SPOT study aims to understand how children’s brain responses to social situations relate to the development—or reduction—of social anxiety symptoms over a two-year period.
Your child may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Experiences social anxiety (e.g., avoids group activities, worries about being judged, appears very withdrawn in social situations)
- Ages 9-13
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently taking stimulant medications, such as ADHD medications (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta)
- Major neurological or developmental disorders
- Metal in their body
Participation includes an initial Zoom visit (up to 2.5 hours), followed by a 2.5 hour in-person visit at Temple University 1-2 weeks later. Then, families will complete a short set of online surveys every 6 months— specifically at 6, 12, and 18-months after the in-person visit. Finally, at the 2-year mark, families may be invited to complete a 2-hour Zoom session. All sessions are completely safe, confidential, and designed to be child friendly. A parent or guardian will be involved throughout the entire process.
Families can receive up to $600 in Amazon gift cards for participating in all study visits.
We also offer free parking passes for in-person visits and snacks during your time on campus.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.