Teen Mental Health Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study with teens aged 13–17 who have been feeling moody, irritable, or sad frequently to better understand how social media use relates to teen mental health.
Fast Facts
Feeling moody or sad
Ages 13-17
Compensation
up to $465
Conducted in
Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying teens (ages 13–17) with low mood to learn how social media affects mental health.
This study is for teens aged 13 to 17 who have been feeling down or experiencing low mood. Researchers want to learn more about how social experiences on social media, like interacting with friends and seeing posts, relate to depression. The study will also look at how these experiences affect the brain and may influence feelings of motivation and reward.
The goal of the research is to help improve understanding of teen depression and to find better ways to support the mental health and well-being of adolescents.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying teens (ages 13–17) with low mood to learn how social media affects mental health.
This study is for teens aged 13 to 17 who have been feeling down or experiencing low mood. Researchers want to learn more about how social experiences on social media, like interacting with friends and seeing posts, relate to depression. The study will also look at how these experiences affect the brain and may influence feelings of motivation and reward.
The goal of the research is to help improve understanding of teen depression and to find better ways to support the mental health and well-being of adolescents.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are examining how low mood or mild depressive symptoms develop in teens aged 13 to 17. We are particularly interested in how social experiences on social media, like interactions with friends and peers, relate to brain systems involved in reward, motivation, and positive emotions. Teens will complete surveys, daily text message questions, and MRI scans to help us understand how these brain systems and daily experiences may contribute to changes in mood. Parents or legal guardians will participate in some parts of the study, including consent and a short survey.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13–17
- Experiencing low mood or mild depressive symptoms (feeling down, low motivation, poor sleep, etc.)
- Own a personal smartphone and use social media at least 3 times per week
- Willing and able to participate in MRI scans
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Schizophrenia
- History of head injury, neurological disorder, or serious medical illness
- MRI contraindications (non-removable metal, severe claustrophobia, or other safety concerns)
- Pregnancy
- Significant substance use or alcohol-related disorder (except cannabis use within the last 3 months)
Participation involves:
- Phone Screening: A 25-minute phone call with the teen and a parent or guardian to review eligibility.
- Virtual Visit: One 90-minute video call where the teen and parent complete consent forms and initial surveys. If the teen is eligible, they will continue with additional surveys and learn about study tasks, including submitting photos and text message surveys.
- In-Person MRI Visit: One visit at the University of Pittsburgh lasting about 2.5 hours, including 1 hour in the MRI scanner. Teens complete social media-related tasks designed to measure brain responses to acceptance and rejection. Parents may attend but are not required. A subset of participants may be invited for a second scan about 2 weeks later.
- At-Home Surveys: Teens complete daily text message surveys three times a day for 16 days and online questionnaires. Parents complete one short survey after the first visit.
- 3-Month Follow-Up: A 15-minute online questionnaire sent 3 months after the scan.
Participants can earn up to $465 for completing all parts of the study. Payments are provided for completing the phone screen, virtual video call, at-home surveys, photo submissions, the in-person MRI visit, daily text surveys, and the 3-month follow-up. Teens selected for the optional second MRI scan can earn additional compensation.
Travel Reimbursement: Free parking is provided, and local bus travel for teens and a parent or guardian can be reimbursed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.