Understanding how social support affects stress in adolescents
Social Buffering During Aversive Conditioning
NA · University of Minnesota · NCT04312945
This study is testing how support from parents and friends can help reduce stress in teenagers during a challenging experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT04312945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This experiment aims to explore how parental and peer support can buffer stress responses during aversive conditioning in adolescents. Participants will undergo a pubertal assessment and complete questionnaires before being randomly assigned to one of four conditions during an MRI scan: with a primary parent, a close friend, an experimenter, or alone. The study will assess the physiological responses of participants in these different social contexts to understand the effectiveness of social buffering as they develop through puberty.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents who are able to participate in MRI procedures and have sufficient social support from parents or friends.
Not a fit: Patients with significant medical or psychological conditions, or those who cannot undergo MRI, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how social support can be leveraged to mitigate stress responses in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that social support can positively influence stress responses in various populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * sufficient vision to complete assent and study procedures * sufficient hearing to complete assent and study procedures * sufficient language skills to provide verbal and written assent Exclusion Criteria: * Premature birth (less than 37 weeks) * congenital and/or chromosomal disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy, FAS, mental retardation, Turner Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Fragile X) * Autism Spectrum Disorders * history of serious medical illness (e.g., cancer, organ transplant) * youth taking systemic glucocorticoids * youth taking beta-adrenergic medications * diagnoses of psychiatric illness, seizure disorder or other neurological disorders * contraindications for MRI (implanted medical device; presence of non-removal metal in or on the body, including piercings, orthodontic braces or certain permanent retainers) * known pregnancy * tattoos * history of significant claustrophobia
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Megan Gunnar, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bonny Donzella
- Email: donzella@umn.edu
- Phone: 6126244351
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Social Stress, Adolescent Behavior