Neurofeedback intervention for improving emotion regulation in adolescent girls and their mothers

Dyadic Neurofeedback for Development of Healthy Emotion Regulation in Youth

Not applicable Interventional Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences · NCT05472545

This study tests whether a new brain training program can help improve emotional skills in adolescent girls and their mothers by working together on discussions about feelings.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorOklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT05472545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) dyadic neurofeedback protocol involving mothers and their adolescent daughters. The mothers will receive neurofeedback about their daughters' brain activity while they engage in discussions about emotions. The goal is to promote healthy emotion regulation in female adolescents who have a maternal history of adverse childhood experiences. The study will assess the impact of this intervention on the adolescents' emotional development and internalizing symptoms over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include biological female adolescents aged 14-17 with a maternal history of adverse childhood experiences, along with their mothers.

Not a fit: Patients with current or past psychiatric disorders or neurodevelopmental delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance emotion regulation skills in adolescents, potentially reducing the risk of depression and other mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging interest in neurofeedback for emotional regulation, this specific dyadic approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All participants inclusion criteria:

* Biological female
* Sufficient English fluency to complete tasks
* Co-residing at least 4 days per week

Inclusion criteria for adult participants:

* Primary caregiver for more than 50% of child's lifespan
* History of at least two adverse childhood experiences
* Biological parent of adolescent participant

Inclusion criteria for adolescents:

* Eligible for fMRI
* Body mass index between 16 and 40 (inclusive)
* Age 14-17 years

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for adolescent participants:

* Current or past psychiatric disorder
* Neurodevelopmental delay
* Medications influencing fMRI
* Medical conditions influencing fMRI

Where this trial is running

Tulsa, Oklahoma

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 Emotional Regulation
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.