The BRAVE Study

Being Resilient against Anxiety Everyday

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are studying how teens ages 12-17 handle anxiety or OCD on a day-to-day basis. We want to better understand what helps teens face situations that make them anxious and what leads them to avoid those situations. Teens and their caregivers are invited to participate virtually from anywhere in Texas.

Fast Facts

Symptoms of
anxiety or OCD

Ages 12-17

Compensation
up to $140

Conducted virtually
in
Texas

Additional Information

Anxiety disorders are common and can cause problems for many children and families. Children handle their anxiety in different ways, using different strategies.

In past research, participants are usually asked to fill out questionnaires long after facing anxiety-provoking situations, which can be hard to remember accurately. This study uses a new tool called ecological momentary assessment (EMA). EMA is a smartphone app that lets your teen fill out short surveys about experiences in the last few hours. Your teen will also wear a smartwatch. We think this will give us a better picture of the daily life of teens with anxiety.

Our goal is to understand how teens respond to anxiety and what predicts when they face or avoid their fears.

You/your teen may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Teen is 12-17 years old
  • Teen has symptoms of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Teen and caregiver live together in Texas
  • Teen and caregiver are willing to participate in virtual study visits, and teen is willing to wear a smartwatch and complete short daily surveys for 15 days
  • Teen has access to a smartphone or is willing to use a study-provided smartphone

 

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Teen does not live with the participating caregiver at least 50% of the time
  • Teen has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or significant intellectual disability
  • Teen is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, such as active suicidal thoughts with intent or a plan
  • Teen has a planned change to mental health medications or therapy during the 15-day study period

If your teen joins the BRAVE Study, you and your teen will complete two virtual visits from home, one lasting about 90 minutes and another lasting about 60 minutes. During these visits, you will answer questions about your teen’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including how they handle anxiety or OCD. Your teen will also wear a smartwatch and complete short surveys on a smartphone app for 15 days to help us better understand their everyday experiences.

All study activities are completed virtually.

You and your teen can earn up to $140 based on how many study activities you complete.

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