Current Studies
Principal Investigator: Kate Fitzgerald, MD
This study aims to help us learn if a camp-like group intervention, using either structured games or child-led play, lowers anxiety in preschool-age children. Children ages 4.0-5.99 may be eligible to participate.
Who Can Participate?
- Age (years) is between 4.0 and 5.99
- Bothered by worries, fears, or anxieties
- Interference from worries or fears (e.g., school reluctance/avoidance or low performance, fear of sleeping alone, extreme shyness, reluctance to use the bathroom)
- Note: Anxiety does not have to be previously diagnosed. Your child may be eligible even without a formal “disorder.”
What is Involved?
Families with eligible children ages 4.0-5.99 will be asked to complete one of two research opportunities. One group of children will be assigned to a structured games camp. Another group of children will be assigned to a child-led playgroup camp. Both groups of children will complete 5 half-days of camp during late afternoon weekdays and/or weekend mornings. All participants will additionally be asked to complete pre- and post- camp visits with research staff. Parents will complete a clinical assessment about their child (remote). Children will complete an EEG (to measure brain activity in a noninvasive way) and complete several gamelike activities with a study team member (in person). Parents will complete questionnaires about themselves and their child (remote).
Compensation
Participants will receive up to $275 in total compensation ($200 for completing pre- and poststudy visits and $75 for camp). Payments are pro-rated based on the completion of study events.