There are often several research studies going on within the Brain and Body Lab.
Read the descriptions of studies below to determine which you might be eligible for then click on the participate tab above to sign up!
Parenting Under Pressure
The Parenting Under Pressure study explores the ways in which the COVID-19 outbreak has specifically influenced caregivers, children and adolescents, and family life. The study involves a range of questionnaires on the impacts that the safer-at-home order and media consumption has had on family life and child and parent emotional health. We will use these results to inform the development of resources for families during this challenging time.
Ages: Parents of children 6-17 years
What is involved: You will answer questionnaires online. Study participation will take approximately 35 minutes.
What do I get out of participating: You will go in a draw to win one of twenty $100 gift vouchers (drawn in July 2020).
Mind, Brain, Body
The Mind, Brain, Body study looks at how early caregiving experiences influence the emotional, cognitive, and brain development, as well as physical health and wellness. The study also explores how the bacteria that live inside us (the microbiome) are connected to the development of our brains and bodies.
Ages: Children between 6-9 years old and adolescents 13-16 years old.
What is involved: This is a 3 year longitudinal study. In all years (waves), parents and children/adolescents come into the lab to fill out some questionnaires, give some samples (e.g., saliva) and play some computer games and watch movie clips. We will also collect ‘physiological’ measures (e.g., heart rate). We will send you home with a kit to collect a small poop sample from your child/adolescent (to look at the microbiome), which you mail back to us.
In the second year (wave 2), in addition to the lab visit, some children and adolescents will return for a second visit to get an MRI scan (so we can look at brain function). MRI is a very safe technology that does not involve sedation (you can read more about it here). Participants will get photographs of their brain to take home.
What do I get out of participating: We will reimburse you $45 each time you visit the lab and an additional $20 for collecting a poop sample at home. In wave 2 only, we will reimburse you another $75 for participating in the MRI scan.
Inside Out – Physiology of Emotional Reactivity
Is it really a “gut feeling”? It is no surprise that often people experience strong emotional responses in their bodies. However, physical symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms, have scarcely been studied as a measure of emotional arousal. This study will explore the relationship between physical and emotional symptoms and health. In addition, we will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and emotional health.
Ages: 18+
What is involved: All parts of this study are optional. You can participate in one, some, or all of the parts. In this study, you will first answer a series of surveys at home. At a later date, you will answer another series of surveys at home and then come into the lab where we will put stickers on your stomach, chest, and fingers to measure your gastric activity, heart rate, and sweat response. In the lab, you will watch three movies for roughly one hour and answer a few questions about the movies. We will also take your height, weight, and waist circumference.
What do I get out of participating: You will receive course credit for participating in the study!
UCLA Student Mental Health
The UCLA Student Mental Health Study examines how different entry pathways to college education (e.g., transfer or traditional routes) influence student mental health. The study also examines how institutional resources can improve mental health in the face of the existing challenges students encounter.
Ages: Students at UCLA
What is involved: This is an anonymous online survey that will be taken in one sitting (approximately one hour). The survey is compiled of twenty short questionnaires that ask about demographic information, mental health symptoms, utilization of UCLA resources/communities, student perceptions of UCLA resources/communities, and other experiences you may encounter as a student.
The study can be completed one of two ways: 1) Online through the SONA website (for course credit); 2) By clicking the participate tab, filling out your information, and selecting the “UCLA Student Mental Health” checkbox.
What do I get out of participating: If you complete the survey through the SONA website you will receive course credit. If you did not complete the study for course credit, you will be entered into a drawing at the conclusion of the study for the chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards.