Participate in a study

This study looks at how using the Headspace mindfulness app for 30 days can help teens who tend to get stuck in negative thoughts. By looking at brain activity, attention, and teens’ day-to-day experiences, we hope to understand how mindfulness helps and who it helps most. 

Would the study be good for me?

• You’re between the ages of 13-18

• You ruminate, overthink, or get stuck on negative thoughts

• You are located in the Boston area

What does the study involve?

• An initial visit at McLean Hospital (approx. 3 hours) involving questionnaires, computer-based tasks and MRI brain scan

• Randomly assigned to 30 days of meditation app vs. recharge app

• Return to McLean Hospital 30 days after your initial visit for more questionnaires, computer-based tasks and an MRI brain scan.

• You can earn up to $285 for participating.

Interested? CLICK HERE

This fully-remote study explores whether smartphones and wearable devices like the Oura Ring can help identify moments when teens are feeling especially stressed, sad, or overwhelmed. Over two years, we’ll use short mood check-ins, phone sensor data, and information from the Oura Ring to better understand teens’ emotional patterns. Some teens will have the option of trying brief mindfulness exercises sent to their phone at moments when they might need extra support.

Would the study be good for me?

• You’re between the ages of 12-16

• You have recently been feeling sad or stressed

• You are located anywhere in the United States

What does the study involve?

• Fully remote Zoom calls and online surveys

• Brief questionnaires on your smartphone for one month, every 6 months, for 2 years

• Wearing a study-provided Oura ring wearable for the duration of the study

• Your teen can earn up to $565 for participating

Interested? CLICK HERE

This study focuses on why some teens have trouble feeling joy or excitement and how that may relate to future depression risk. Using brain scans, simple computer tasks, and daily mood check-ins, we’re working to understand how teens experience rewards and positive emotions. The goal is to identify early signs of vulnerability so we can support teens before depression develops.

Would the study be good for me?

• You’re between the ages of 12-18

• You’re experiencing less interest or pleasure in the things you used to enjoy

• You are located in the Boston area

What does the study involve?

• Two visits to McLean Hospital (approx. 3 hours each) involving questionnaires and an MRI brain scan

• Brief online questionnaires and phone calls every 3-6 months for 2 years.

• You can earn up to $282 for participating

Interested? CLICK HERE