Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 18

Exploring how stress affects memory in adolescents

Official title: Stress, Memory, and Rumination in Maltreated Adolescents

Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT06821178 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how stress affects memory in teenagers, especially those who have faced tough situations, to see if their memories of stressful events are different from those who have had stable home lives.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, Irvine
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Irvine, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 28, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 30, 2026
Trial IDNCT06821178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12-17 who have either experienced maltreatment or have always lived with at least one biological parent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with public speaking or math anxiety, cognitive impairments, head injuries, learning disabilities, or those undergoing steroid/hormonal treatments may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates the relationship between stress and memory in adolescents, particularly focusing on those who have experienced maltreatment. It aims to challenge the skepticism surrounding the ability of maltreated youth to accurately recall their stressful experiences. By conducting a short-term longitudinal experimental investigation, the study will compare memory performance under acute stress between adolescents with a history of maltreatment and those who have always lived with biological parents. The findings could provide valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of these youth and inform interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of memory in maltreated youth, leading to better support and interventions for this vulnerable population.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, existing literature suggests that understanding the effects of stress on memory in youth has shown promising results.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Ages 12-18 at start, half self reported or documented prior contact with social services/dependency court; half always lived with at least one biological parent

Exclusion Criteria:

Public speaking or math anxiety, cognitive impairments, head injuries, learning disabilities, steroid/hormonal treatments, or neuroendocrine diseases

Where it's running

  • University of California, Irvine
    Irvine, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.