How digital media affects anxiety and emotion regulation in teens

Investigation of Digital Media Use, Anxiety, and Biobehavioral Emotion Regulation in Adolescents

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10920446

This study looks at how using digital media affects anxiety in teenagers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to see if it helps them feel more connected or makes them feel more anxious.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10920446 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between digital media use and anxiety in adolescents, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand how teens engage with digital platforms and how this affects their social connections and emotional well-being. The study will explore the timing of digital media use in relation to feelings of anxiety and will identify mechanisms that may explain why digital media can either help or hinder emotional regulation. By focusing on this critical developmental period, the research seeks to provide insights into the impact of technology on mental health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who experience anxiety symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing anxiety in adolescents through better understanding of digital media's role.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between digital media use and mental health, making this study a valuable continuation of that work.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.