Friends, Peers, and Stress Study

UPDATE: This study will resume enrollment as of summer 2025.

Are friends able to help buffer children and teens from stress? 

The goal of this research study is to measure the physical response to common forms of stress in children and adolescents, like taking a timed exam or giving a speech. We are interested in whether the presence of a friend can reduce the body's biological reaction to these common stressors.

How does the online research study work?

We will work with you to identify a friend, and we will contact that family for recruiting and consent. Both friends/families experience the same study elements.

At the first visit, we will practice the Zoom call, be sure we have a sufficient connection and a private environment.  We will teach you how to use Zoom and collect saliva samples, and then you will complete some background questionnaires about the family, your child and your COVID-19 experiences. This online session should last about 30 minutes. After completing the parent surveys, you will receive $20 on a debit card.

At the second Zoom visit, your child will do a public speaking task and a math task, and they will answer questionnaires. During the session, we will also collect saliva samples from the child. This visit should last about 2.5 hrs. Your child will receive $50 for this visit, once we receive their saliva samples by mail.

Eligibility:
•    11 - 14 years old
•    Access to stable internet connection and Zoom
•    Located in continental United States

Interested or have questions? Email the research team at sharetheload@umn.edu.

This project is a collaboration between graduate student Finola Kane-Grade and Megan Gunnar, PhD, both at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. This study is approved by the UMN Institutional Review Board #STUDY00025058.