Youth Trauma Research Study
Researchers from the 12 leading academic medical centers in Texas are conducting a study on the effects of childhood trauma to better understand youth mental health outcomes and improve care for children in Texas.
Fast Facts
Have had traumatic experience (bullying, abuse, neglect, physical injury, motor vehicle accident, loss of a loved one)
8-20
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $400 & Optional Therapy
Conducted in
Several Locations in Texas
Study Background
Understanding Childhood Trauma is Key to Supporting Youth Mental Health
Childhood trauma can have lasting effects on a young person’s emotional, social, and physical well-being. The Childhood Trauma Research Network (CTRN) gathers information from youth and their caregivers to help clinicians, educators, and families provide more informed treatment and support. By studying experiences such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and school functioning, the CTRN aims to identify patterns and outcomes that can improve care for children across Texas.
Through participation in this research repository, youth and their caregivers contribute valuable information about trauma exposure and related mental health symptoms. This data is collected via structured questionnaires, interviews, and optional audio/video recordings, allowing researchers to develop evidence-based strategies for preventing and addressing the after-effects of trauma. Participants can contribute from home or in the clinic, helping ensure accessibility and convenience throughout the study’s 24-month duration.
Study Background
Understanding Childhood Trauma is Key to Supporting Youth Mental Health
Childhood trauma can have lasting effects on a young person’s emotional, social, and physical well-being. The Childhood Trauma Research Network (CTRN) gathers information from youth and their caregivers to help clinicians, educators, and families provide more informed treatment and support. By studying experiences such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and school functioning, the CTRN aims to identify patterns and outcomes that can improve care for children across Texas.
Through participation in this research repository, youth and their caregivers contribute valuable information about trauma exposure and related mental health symptoms. This data is collected via structured questionnaires, interviews, and optional audio/video recordings, allowing researchers to develop evidence-based strategies for preventing and addressing the after-effects of trauma. Participants can contribute from home or in the clinic, helping ensure accessibility and convenience throughout the study’s 24-month duration.
Additional Information
This study seeks to better understand how childhood trauma affects youth mental health and to provide clinicians, educators, and families with information to improve care, treatment, and support for children.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 8-20
- Have had traumatic experience (bullying, abuse, neglect, physical injury, motor vehicle accident, loss of a loved one)
- No psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)
- No severe pervasive developmental disorder or moderate to severe intellectual disability
- Alert, oriented, and coherent
- No severe pain, labor, respiratory distress, hemodynamic compromise, hospitalization in an intensive care unit, or other evidence of medical instability
Participation involves 6 visits over 24 months, which may occur virtually or in the clinic. During each visit:
You provide demographic and medical information.
You complete questionnaires about trauma history, mental health, and social functioning.
Interviews with research staff discuss your experiences and behaviors.
Your parent/caregiver may also complete questionnaires and interviews.
Optional audio/video recordings of some interviews may be made.
You may skip questions or stop participation at any time. Each visit generally lasts 2–3 hours.
Participating Sites:
The University of Texas in Austin, TX
UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX
UTMB Health in Galveston, TX
UT Health in Tyler, TX
UT Health in San Antonio, TX
UT Health in Houston, TX
University of North Texas System in Dallas, TX
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, TX
Texas A&M College of Medicine in College Station, TX
UT Rio Grande Valley Medical Center in Edinburg, TX
Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
Participants receive compensation for their time:
$100 for the baseline visit
$50 for Month 1 and Month 6 visits
$100 for Month 12 visit
$50 for Month 18 and Month 24 visits
Total: $400. Visits are virtual or in-person, optional therapy is available for qualified participants, and transportation reimbursement is not required for virtual visits.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.