Exploring how rejection sensitivity and puberty affect mental health in early adolescent girls using social media

Rejection Sensitivity and Puberty in Mental Health Vulnerability to Social Media Experiences in Early Adolescent Girls

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06777823

This study looks at how feelings of rejection and going through puberty affect the mental health of girls aged 10-11 who use social media.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages10 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06777823 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This longitudinal study investigates the bidirectional relationships between mental health and social media experiences in preteen girls aged 10-11. It focuses on how pubertal development and experiences of rejection influence these relationships. Participants will engage in a social rejection task and complete daily diaries to track their experiences. The study aims to provide insights into the mental health vulnerabilities associated with social media use during this critical developmental period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are girls aged 10-11 who actively use social media and can communicate in English.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic medical illnesses, autism spectrum disorder, significant developmental delays, or those not assigned female at birth may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify mental health vulnerabilities in early adolescent girls and inform interventions to support their well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on social media's impact on mental health are common, this specific focus on rejection sensitivity and puberty in early adolescent girls is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* female aged 10-11 years
* engagement in social media use
* proficient in the English language
* family/personal device that can complete daily diaries

Exclusion Criteria:

* previously diagnosed chronic medical illness
* autism spectrum disorder
* significant developmental or speech delay
* endocrine disorder
* not assigned female at birth (AFAB)

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rejection SensitivityPubertyPsychopathologypubertyrejection sensitivitypsychopathologysocial media
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.