Understanding how social anxiety develops in adolescents

A developmentally-sensitive mechanism underlying the escalation of adolescent social anxiety

['FUNDING_R01'] · FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10875625

This study is looking at why teenagers often feel more anxious in social situations, especially how worrying about what others think and being overly aware of mistakes can make things harder, and it will track brain activity to see how these feelings develop during this important time in their lives.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MIAMI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10875625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the increase in social anxiety symptoms during adolescence, focusing on how fear of negative evaluation and hypervigilance to errors in social situations contribute to this condition. By examining brain activity, particularly in the frontal cortex, the study aims to identify critical developmental changes that may lead to heightened anxiety among adolescents. The research will involve monitoring brain oscillations and behavioral responses in young participants to better understand the interplay between social fears and cognitive control during this sensitive developmental period.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who experience symptoms of social anxiety.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating social anxiety disorder in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding anxiety disorders through developmental and neurobiological approaches, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

MIAMI, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.