Frequently Asked Questions

 Friends are an important part of adolescence, and we are interested in learning more about how friendship experiences impact teens. The findings from this study can contribute to our understanding of adolescent development and resilience and inform helpful interventions.

 If you are between 13 and 17 years old and have a close friend and caregiver who can come to the USC campus to participate in the first visit with you, you may be eligible! You can complete the screening survey at https://redcap.link/uscbffs to be contacted by study staff. 

 Your first visit is at the USC Institute for Mind and Brain, 1800 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201. Directions can be found below. The second visit is done online or via mail completely from home! 

There are two visits in this study. The first visit takes around 2 hours. The second visit is completed 6 months later and takes 30-45 minutes. 

We prioritize working with your schedule! Your first visit can be scheduled for an evening after school or on a Saturday if during the week does not work for you. This visit can be scheduled as soon or as far out as works for your schedule. Since the second visit takes place at home, you can complete it as soon as you receive your survey link approximately 6 months after your first visit. 

a. At the first visit, the adolescent will complete questionnaires, have their physical responses measured with a mobile device called an electrocardiogram (ECG), complete a task that will be explained at the visit, and either debrief with their friend or sit quietly for 5 minutes.

b. The friend will complete questionnaires and may be asked to debrief with the adolescent.

c. The caregiver will complete questionnaires

A study staff member will be in contact by phone to schedule your visit. Once your visit is scheduled, they will ask your caregiver about past experiences you may or may not have had. If your friend is under the age of 18, they will also contact your friend and their caregiver to take them through a consent process over the phone. 

At the second visit, the adolescent and caregiver will only complete questionnaires. The friend does not participate in the second visit 

Nope!

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is used to measure the electrical signals of the heart. This can be used to monitor heart rate and respiration. The ECG is attached by using sticky sensors that are then clipped on to cords called leads. These leads plug  into the ECG which is small and portable and can be clipped to the waistband of pants.

The adolescent, caregiver, and friend will all receive compensation for participating. We will also provide a travel reimbursement to one person in the group. 

We are always happy to answer your questions. Please email us at bffsstudy@sc.edu with any other questions you may have.