Exploring how stress affects memory in adolescents

Stress, Memory, and Rumination in Maltreated Adolescents

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Irvine · NCT06821178

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Irvine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Irvine, California)
Trial IDNCT06821178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Irvine, California

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 Stress and Memory in Adolescence
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.