Child Development Research Study
Researchers at the Boys Town National Research Hospital are investigating how early-life challenges influence the development of mental health issues.
Fast Facts
Boys Ages 11-13 or Girls Ages 10-12
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Omaha, NE
Study Background
We are trying to understand how different life experiences affect brain development and mental health during childhood and adolescence.
Our project is trying to understand how everyday experiences influence the way children and adolescents process information during different social and mental tasks. We also want to understand how puberty influences these processes and brain development.
We use two types of non-invasive brain imaging for the study. One records brain activity (an MEG) in a silent room while your child does simple emotional and thinking tasks, like looking at faces that show different emotions.
Study Background
We are trying to understand how different life experiences affect brain development and mental health during childhood and adolescence.
Our project is trying to understand how everyday experiences influence the way children and adolescents process information during different social and mental tasks. We also want to understand how puberty influences these processes and brain development.
We use two types of non-invasive brain imaging for the study. One records brain activity (an MEG) in a silent room while your child does simple emotional and thinking tasks, like looking at faces that show different emotions.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to investigate how early-life challenges influence the development of mental health issues.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Informed consent from the legal guardian and assent of the participating minor
- Boys 11-13 years of age at the time of study enrollment
- Girls 10-12 years of age at the time of study enrollment
- Ability to complete questionnaires in English.
Exclusion Criteria:
• Child has current diagnosis of a severe disorder or medical condition that would limit one’s ability to complete the study
• Persons who cannot understand and provide informed consent
• Child has any limitations that would prevent them from safely undergoing an MRI scan, such as having non-removable metal objects in their body (braces, non-removable piercing, etc.), experiencing claustrophobia, or weighing over 300lbs
• Active drug or alcohol use
This study consists of 2 visits that will require various questionnaires and scans as outlined below:
- Visit 1 (3 hours): Questionnaires (intake, demographics), non-invasive brain activity scan (an MEG), pubertal measures (saliva, hair), psychological questionnaires (mental health, sensory functioning, cognitive functioning).
- Visit 2 (2.5 hours): Questionnaires (intake), non-invasive brain imaging (an MRI), early life stress and resilience questionnaires.
Compensation is provided up to $205 for your participation, as well as a 3D model of the participant’s brain. Transportation and snacks are also available.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.