Using real-time brain imaging to understand self-generated experiences
Official title: Real-time fMRI for Insular Cortex Brain State-triggered Experience Sampling
Run by Drexel University · NCT05855525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how brain activity in young adults relates to their personal experiences to see if certain brain signals make those experiences feel more intense and vivid.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Drexel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05855525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-35 without a history of psychiatric or neurological disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of psychiatric or neurological disorders or those with contraindications for MRI will 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 study employs a novel approach called real-time functional MRI (fMRI)-triggered experience-sampling to investigate how spontaneous neural events in the dorsal anterior insular cortex (daIC) relate to self-generated experiences. Participants, aged 18-35, will undergo MRI scanning while reporting their experiences based on real-time brain activity analysis. The goal is to determine if daIC activation correlates with heightened arousal and vividness in self-reported experiences. The study aims to enhance our understanding of the brain's role in experience generation and its implications for psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying self-generated experiences, potentially informing treatments for psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar studies using fMRI for experience sampling have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-35 Exclusion Criteria: * History of psychiatric or neurological disorder * contraindication for MRI
Where it's running
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron Kucyi, PhD — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Tiara Bounyarith, BA
- Email: tb3344@drexel.edu
- Phone: 2155537124
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.