WHAT IS THIS STUDY ABOUT?
The purpose of this research study is to find out how maternal history of trauma and current psychological functioning impacts a child’s brain activity. We are doing this research because we know that trauma has a lasting effect on an individual’s well-being, and we want to investigate if that effect can cross generations.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
Women aged 25-45 who either have or have not experienced physical or sexual trauma with current symptoms of PTSD and have a healthy female child aged 6-8.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE STUDY?
You will attend two study visits, including an enrollment visit with clinical assessments and a second visit where you and your daughter will complete behavioral tasks. You and your daughter have the opportunity to complete these tasks at either our clinic space, or while undergoing an MRI scan. You can earn up to $150 for completing all study activities at our clinic space, or up to $275 for completing all study activities while undergoing an MRI scan. Your child will receive a small stuffed animal for her participation.
WHAT WILL BE COLLECTED AT EACH VISIT?
You will complete questionnaires about your past medical history, stressful events in your life, history of interpersonal violence, symptoms of mental health conditions, and any treatment you have been receiving. In addition, we will collect blood and saliva samples from you and a saliva sample from your daughter. Your child will also complete clinical assessments and we will ask you to complete questionnaires about her behavior and temperament. Finally, you and your daughter will each complete an MRI brain scan.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
Taking part in research is voluntary. You can choose not to be in this study, or stop at any time. If you decide not to be in this study, your choice will not affect your healthcare or any services you receive. There will be no penalty to you. You will not lose medical care or any legal rights. You don’t have to be in this study to get care for your health condition.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STUDY, CONTACT US:
womensmentalhealth@psychiatry.wisc.edu
608-262-6375
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS’ RIGHTS OR COMPLAINTS, CONTACT:
University of Wisconsin Confidential Research Compliance Line
1-833-652-2506