Alert icon Get $60 per lab visit – Plus fun games and toy prizes for kids!
The Counseling Psychology Department at Santa Clara University is conducting a research study focused on supporting young children with anxiety-related traits. We're exploring how digital tools—like games and videos—can help children ages 5 to 7 better understand and manage feelings such as worry, perfectionism, stress, or shyness.
This study is part of the Kids Anxiety Treatment Lab at SCU and is led by Dr. Alexandria Meyer.
Who We're Looking For
Children ages 5–7 who might experience:
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Worry or nervousness
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Shyness
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Perfectionism
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Stress
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OCD-type symptoms
What's Involved
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15-minute phone interview (parent/guardian) -
Child plays computer games -
45-minute video viewing session -
Small toy prizes for children -
Two lab visits (initial + 1-month follow-up) -
$60 compensation per visit
Our Research Focus
Understanding Error Sensitivity
Our research focuses on "error sensitivity" - the tendency to experience mistakes as aversive or threatening. This neural response, measured as the error-related negativity (ERN), has been shown to predict anxiety disorder development in children.
Children with higher error sensitivity at age 6 show increased risk for anxiety disorders by age 9, making this an important target for early intervention.
Digital Prevention Programs
We're developing and testing web-based programs that help children and parents develop healthier responses to mistakes. Our "Making Mistakes" program has shown promising results in reducing anxiety risk factors.
The program uses cognitive-behavioral strategies, video content, and interactive activities designed specifically for young children and their caregivers.
Why This Research Matters
Anxiety is one of the most common emotional challenges in young children, yet it often goes unaddressed until later in life. By developing tools that children can engage with early on, we hope to prevent more serious struggles down the road. Your participation helps us create resources that support emotional development in kids and families everywhere.
Join the Study
In-person at Santa Clara University
If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 7 who may be experiencing worry, shyness, or perfectionism, and you’re interested in participating, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 Call: (408) 758-1164
📧 Email: katlab@scu.edu
📍 Guadalupe Hall, Room 243, Santa Clara University
FAQs
The study involves two lab visits approximately one month apart. Each visit takes about 1-2 hours and includes a brief phone screening beforehand.
Yes, all information collected is kept strictly confidential and used only for research purposes. This study has been approved by the Santa Clara University Institutional Review Board.
Participation is completely voluntary. Children can stop at any time, and we work to make the experience comfortable and engaging with age-appropriate activities and small prizes.
While we cannot provide individual clinical assessments, participants will receive information about the overall study findings once the research is complete.