Prevention of Adolescent Risky Behaviors: Neural Markers of Intervention Effects

Location: UCI Campus, affiliated community programs serving African-American families

Purpose: Adolescents face many challenges as they begin to gain autonomy from parents and prepare for adult roles in society. Our team has developed a family intervention that specifically helps African-American youth to develop life skills focusing on future orientation and in overcoming "road blocks" in the service of positive goals. This is a six-week, parent and child program shown to deter risky behaviors and achieve long-term positive outcomes. Using MRI scans (no radiation involved), we are trying to identify brain circuits involved in such positive outcomes.

Eligibility:

• 11- to 14-year-old youth
• African-American heritage
• Youth and parent or legal guardian agree to participate in six-week intervention program
• Eligible to participate in MRI scans

Time Commitment:

Participant will be required to:

• Complete questionnaires
• Complete MRI scans
• Complete a six-week life skills program
• Provide a saliva and urine sample

Participation will involve 10 visits over 18 weeks.

Compensation: $655 plus travel reimbursement