Remote Pediatric Pain Research Study
Researchers at Washington State University are conducting a study on social risk and protective factors for pediatric pain to better understand how teens recover from new pain problems and how social relationships may influence that recovery.
Fast Facts
Recently sought medical care for a pain problem present for 2.5 months or less (for example, sports-related or accidental injury, new onset headaches or stomach aches)
11-14
Years Old
Compensation
provided up to $680
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
Adolescence is a critical time when short-term (acute) pain can sometimes develop into long-term (chronic) pain.
Many young people experience pain from sports injuries, headaches, stomachaches, or other common conditions. For most, pain improves within a few weeks or months. However, for some youth, pain persists and begins to interfere with school, friendships, mood, sleep, and daily activities. Researchers are working to better understand why some teens recover quickly while others develop ongoing pain.
This study focuses on how social experiences—such as friendships, peer relationships, bullying, social support, and time spent on social media—may influence pain recovery. By following families over two years, we hope to identify specific risk and protective factors that can help prevent the development of high-impact chronic pain in young people. Findings from this research may help improve future prevention and early intervention programs for adolescents experiencing pain.
Study Background
Adolescence is a critical time when short-term (acute) pain can sometimes develop into long-term (chronic) pain.
Many young people experience pain from sports injuries, headaches, stomachaches, or other common conditions. For most, pain improves within a few weeks or months. However, for some youth, pain persists and begins to interfere with school, friendships, mood, sleep, and daily activities. Researchers are working to better understand why some teens recover quickly while others develop ongoing pain.
This study focuses on how social experiences—such as friendships, peer relationships, bullying, social support, and time spent on social media—may influence pain recovery. By following families over two years, we hope to identify specific risk and protective factors that can help prevent the development of high-impact chronic pain in young people. Findings from this research may help improve future prevention and early intervention programs for adolescents experiencing pain.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand how social relationships and daily experiences influence whether adolescents recover from acute pain or develop longer-lasting pain problems.
Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 11-14
- Recently sought medical care for a pain problem present for 2.5 months or less (for example, sports-related or accidental injury, new onset headaches or stomach aches)
- Never received treatment for chronic pain
- Generally healthy
- Do not have a developmental delay or cognitive impairment
- Have access to a computer, smartphone, and internet to complete study assessments
- Pain is not related to a known disease or result of surgery
- No planned surgery at the site of the pain
- No expected litigation or compensation claim related to the pain complaint
- Do not have a serious comorbid chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, arthritis, cancer)
- Have not been hospitalized for a psychiatric problem within the past year
- English-speaking
- Not diagnosed with autism
If you and your child choose to participate:
- Over 24 months (2 years), you will:
Complete secure online surveys at:Baseline
6 months
12 months
24 months
Parents will:
Complete questionnaires about demographics, family experiences with pain, and health care use.
Teens will:
Complete online surveys about pain, mood, sleep, self-esteem, and social experiences.
Participate in a 7-day monitoring period at each time point that includes:
Wearing a small watch-like device that tracks physical activity and sleep (no GPS tracking).
Completing a brief daily online diary about mood, pain, sleep, social interactions, and social media use.
Uploading smartphone screen-time screenshots (if applicable).
Some teens may also be invited to participate in two one-on-one Zoom interviews about social media use and health beliefs.
All study activities take place online from the comfort of your home.
Families will receive financial compensation for completing study activities over the 24-month period.
Parents may receive up to $140 total.
Children may receive up to $540 total for completing surveys and monitoring activities.
Total possible compensation per family is up to $680 over the study period.
A subset of teens may receive additional compensation for optional interviews.
Teens who complete 7 consecutive days of diary monitoring will also be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card.
Compensation increases at each time point. To receive full compensation, required portions of surveys and monitoring activities must be completed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
This study (IRB# 20513) has been reviewed and approved by the IRB at WSU