The VIGILANCE Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study with adolescents ages 13-17 to investigate how teens process media coverage of gun violence, as well as the effect of that coverage on their developing brains.
Fast Facts
Teens Ages 13-17
No Personal History of Autism, Bipolar Disorder, or Psychosis
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
The VIGILANCE Study is a research project at the University of Pittsburgh exploring how teens process media coverage of gun violence, including mass shootings and police-involved shootings.
If you’re a teen living in America, you are probably exposed to a lot of information – through the news, social media, or other sources – about gun violence in your country. This research study aims to understand how this exposure affects your brain function, attention, and emotional well-being.
Teens aged 13–17 will participate in four study visits over 18 months. Each phase includes some questionnaires and clinical interviews that can be completed remotely, followed by an in-person lab visit for EEG assessments that measure brain activity. Participants will also complete daily diary entries on their phones about their media viewing habits in the 7 days before each EEG visit and after major gun violence events.
The study is designed to be culturally-informed and includes an emphasis on the experiences of Black adolescents. No medications or treatments are involved. If you are 13-17 years old, you could contribute to research meant to help teens like you. Find out if you’re eligible today!
Study Background
The VIGILANCE Study is a research project at the University of Pittsburgh exploring how teens process media coverage of gun violence, including mass shootings and police-involved shootings.
If you’re a teen living in America, you are probably exposed to a lot of information – through the news, social media, or other sources – about gun violence in your country. This research study aims to understand how this exposure affects your brain function, attention, and emotional well-being.
Teens aged 13–17 will participate in four study visits over 18 months. Each phase includes some questionnaires and clinical interviews that can be completed remotely, followed by an in-person lab visit for EEG assessments that measure brain activity. Participants will also complete daily diary entries on their phones about their media viewing habits in the 7 days before each EEG visit and after major gun violence events.
The study is designed to be culturally-informed and includes an emphasis on the experiences of Black adolescents. No medications or treatments are involved. If you are 13-17 years old, you could contribute to research meant to help teens like you. Find out if you’re eligible today!
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to understand how repeated exposure to media coverage of gun violence impacts adolescents’ brain development, attention, and mental health. Specifically, it investigates whether such exposure leads to increased vigilance, media consumption, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also explores whether these effects are more pronounced in Black adolescents following exposure to media coverage about police-involved shootings.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
- Ages 13-17
- No personal history of autism, bipolar disorder, or psychosis
- Willing to complete in-person study activities in Pittsburgh
- No personal history of seizures or family history of hereditary epilepsy
*Individuals who identify as Black/African American are encouraged to apply.
If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will complete four study visits over 18 months. Each visit includes:
- Remote activities: Clinical interviews and questionnaires completed virtually. Before each EEG visit, you will complete a week of daily diary entries on your phone about your media consumption. If there are significant gun violence events during your time in the study, we might request additional diary entries.
- In-person lab visits: EEG assessments to measure your brain activity and attention while you are viewing images related to media coverage of major gun violence events.
All EEG sessions take place at the University of Pittsburgh.
Yes, compensation will be provided for participating. Funds are also available for transportation and parking costs for in-person visits. We can provide bus passes or arrange ride shares for families in need.
There is no cost to participate in this study.
