Researchers want to understand how children’s brains develop as they recognize faces and emotional expressions, and how these processes may be connected to anxiety. Learning more about these brain networks could help identify new ways to support children’s mental health earlier in life.

Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 8-12
• No major conditions
• Right-handed
• Corrected or normal vision
• Less than 55 inches around shoulders at widest point of chest (Able to fit in the MRI machine)
• No major neurological, neurodevelopmental, or chronic illness
• No history of mania, hypomania, or psychotic episode
• English-speaking

Participation lasts about two years and includes several study activities:

Phone Screening
A parent or guardian will complete a brief phone call (about 2 minutes) to determine eligibility.

Study Visit(s)
After informed consent and child assent, participants will complete questionnaires, interviews, vision testing, cognitive testing, and an MRI safety screening. These activities may take place on the same day as the MRI or during a separate visit.

MRI Scan
Participants will complete an MRI scan lasting up to one hour. During the scan, they will complete brain imaging tasks involving viewing faces and identifying emotions using a button press.

Follow-Up Surveys
Every three months for two years, participants and/or their parent or guardian will complete brief online surveys about symptoms and well-being.

Optional Follow-Up MRI
Children who are 8–10 years old at their first scan will be invited to return approximately two years later for a second MRI visit.

There is no cost for your family to participate in our research study.