Childhood Adversity Research Study

Researchers at Duke University are conducting a study on childhood adversity and brain responses to nicotine exposure in young adults ages 18–21.

Fast Facts

History of Childhood Adversity Who Are Not Taking Any Psychiatric Medications

18-21

Years Old

Compensation

Provided

Conducted in

Durham, NC

Study Background

How do early life experiences shape the brain’s response to nicotine?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 and have experienced childhood adversity, you may be eligible to participate in an important research study at Duke University. Scientists are studying how early adverse experiences affect brain function related to self-control, reward processing, and initial responses to nicotine. This could help us understand why people with difficult childhoods are more likely to start smoking.

As a participant, you’ll be helping researchers explore how the brain reacts to nicotine in people who don’t currently smoke. Your involvement could lead to better prevention strategies for smoking in youth with similar backgrounds, and you’ll be compensated for your time and effort.

Study Background

How do early life experiences shape the brain’s response to nicotine?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 and have experienced childhood adversity, you may be eligible to participate in an important research study at Duke University. Scientists are studying how early adverse experiences affect brain function related to self-control, reward processing, and initial responses to nicotine. This could help us understand why people with difficult childhoods are more likely to start smoking.

As a participant, you’ll be helping researchers explore how the brain reacts to nicotine in people who don’t currently smoke. Your involvement could lead to better prevention strategies for smoking in youth with similar backgrounds, and you’ll be compensated for your time and effort.

Additional Information

Researchers want to better understand how childhood adversity affects the brain’s reward and self-control systems, and how that might influence reactions to nicotine, even in people who don’t currently smoke.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

 Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18-21
  • Had negative childhood experiences
  • Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal on or in body or extreme claustrophobia)
  • Willing to have blood drawn

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Taking any psychiatric medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers)
  • Have used recreational drugs or nicotine products more than 10 times in your lifetime

The study includes 7 sessions total:

  • 1 remote screening session

  • 6 in-person visits at Duke University

Here’s what to expect during the study:

  • Screening & Training:

    • Health screening and study overview

    • Practice MRI tasks in a mock scanner

  • MRI Brain Scan Session:

    • Functional brain imaging while completing tasks

    • Tasks include reward and self-control activities

  • 3 Experimental Lab Sessions:

    • Nasal spray with 0, 0.5, or 1 mg of nicotine

    • Blood draws to measure nicotine levels

    • Urine samples for drug and pregnancy (if applicable) screening

  • Final Choice Session:

    • You choose whether to self-administer nicotine or a placebo nasal spray

Throughout the study:

  • You’ll complete surveys and questionnaires

  • A study physician will be on-site or on-call during all nicotine sessions

Yes! Participants can earn up to $925. This includes payment for each session, plus a completion bonus. Parking vouchers are provided for in-person visits, but you’ll need to provide your own transportation.

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