Observing how toddlers react to strangers

The Malleability of Social Group Understanding in Infancy and Early Childhood

University of California Santa Cruz · NCT06550206

This study looks at how toddlers aged 13 to 24 months react to strangers of different races to see if their surroundings affect their feelings about unfamiliar people.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages13 Months to 24 Months
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California Santa Cruz (other)
Locations1 site (Santa Cruz, California)
Trial IDNCT06550206 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how toddlers aged 13 to 24 months respond to unfamiliar adults from different racial backgrounds. It involves a one-hour visit to a lab where toddlers will interact with two adults while being video recorded. Parents will complete surveys about their demographics and social networks to help researchers understand the influence of familiar social environments on children's stranger wariness. The goal is to assess variations in toddler responses based on factors like race and neighborhood diversity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are typically developing toddlers aged 13 to 24 months.

Not a fit: Patients with known developmental delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into early social development and inform strategies to foster positive social interactions in diverse environments.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on toddler social behavior exist, this specific focus on racial background and neighborhood diversity is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* typically developing
* age 13-24 months

Exclusion Criteria:

\- any known developmental delays

Where this trial is running

Santa Cruz, 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Social Behavior

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.