Lonely Minds: Understanding the Effects of Social Isolation
About the study: Social connections are a basic human need, and when they are lacking, people experience social isolation. Loneliness is a growing issue, and teenagers are particularly affected. In this brain-imaging study, we aim to explore how short-term social isolation affects the brain, with a particular focus on the reward and threat-learning systems. By doing so, we aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying loneliness and how these might related to mental health difficulties.
We are looking for adolescents aged 12-19 years old
Study plan:
Participation involves 3 visits to CUBRIC:
– a brief screening interview,
– two MRI scans, one of which includes a period of social isolation. The isolation phase will last 2 hours for those aged 12–15, and 3 hours for those aged 16–19. The controlled, short-term isolation is not expected to cause any lasting negative effects.
Pay: £20 for each MRI scan, £10 per hour for the isolation behavioural session, an additional £2.50–£10 depending on task performance, and a completion bonus of £10–£20 once all sessions are finished.
Developing Social Minds Lab 