Adolescent Anxiety Research Study
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School are conducting a study on how teens understand and respond to their bodies’ signals during puberty.
Fast Facts
Experience symptoms of anxiety (e.g., racing heart, sweating, physical tension) but are not diagnosed
Ages 11-15
Compensation
Provided up to $75
Conducted in
Worcester, MA
Study Background
This study looks at how teens’ heart, brain, and anxiety responses change during puberty.
During adolescence, the body goes through many changes that affect how young people interpret internal sensations like heartbeat, breathing, and stress. Researchers want to better understand how these internal signals relate to anxiety symptoms and everyday emotional experiences.
In this study, teens complete simple questionnaires, a heartbeat counting activity, and an MRI scan. By combining these measures, researchers hope to learn more about how the brain supports interoception, which means noticing and interpreting signals from inside the body. This information may help improve future approaches to supporting teen mental health.
Study Background
This study looks at how teens’ heart, brain, and anxiety responses change during puberty.
During adolescence, the body goes through many changes that affect how young people interpret internal sensations like heartbeat, breathing, and stress. Researchers want to better understand how these internal signals relate to anxiety symptoms and everyday emotional experiences.
In this study, teens complete simple questionnaires, a heartbeat counting activity, and an MRI scan. By combining these measures, researchers hope to learn more about how the brain supports interoception, which means noticing and interpreting signals from inside the body. This information may help improve future approaches to supporting teen mental health.
Additional Information
The study is being done to understand how brain activity, physical sensations, and anxiety symptoms are connected during puberty.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 11-15
- Experience symptoms of anxiety (e.g., racing heart, sweating, physical tension) but are not diagnosed
- Live in Massachusetts
- Right-handed
- Have corrected-to-normal vision
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable objects in the body like braces or implants)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently taking psychotropic medication
- Diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental conditions
- Diagnosed with any neurological conditions
- History of psychosis or mania (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, unusually high energy with little need for sleep)
- History of head injury or loss of consciousness
Participation happens over two in-person visits at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester.
- Step 1: Phone screen
A short call with a parent or guardian determines initial eligibility.
- Step 2: Screening visit
(about one hour)
You and your parent complete questionnaires, medical history forms, and a brief heartbeat counting task with an ECG. This visit confirms eligibility for the MRI.
- Step 3: MRI visit
(about one hour)
You complete a short questionnaire and then have a noninvasive MRI scan at the Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center. You can take breaks and stop at any time.
Teens can earn up to $75 in prepaid cards. You receive $25 for the screening visit and $50 for the MRI visit. If a visit is not completed, a $10 card is provided. Free parking vouchers are available for each visit.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.