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Does Social Buffering Continue to be Effective Over the Peripubertal Period When Friends Share the Stressor Experience?

Does Social Buffering Continue to be Effective Over the Peripubertal Period When Friends Share the Stressor Experience?

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04311996
Enrollment
269
Registered
2020-03-17
Start date
2021-10-25
Completion date
2023-06-24
Last updated
2025-02-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Adolescent Behavior, Social Stress

Brief summary

The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether social buffering by friends of stress physiology remains effective later in puberty when friends share the load versus when they provide support but are not undergoing the stressor with the target child. There are four conditions: (1) Friend and Target both undergo the stressor, (2) Friend provides support but does not undergo the stressor, (3) Unfamiliar Peer and Target undergo the stressor, and (4) Alone (no partner).

Detailed description

Adolescents experience social evaluation stress frequently. However, it is likely that often they are not alone, but with friends who are also going through the same experience. Thus, it is possible that under these conditions, social buffering by friends does not wane over the peripubertal period. Participants will be assigned to social conditions while engaging in an evaluative stressor task.

Interventions

OTHERFriend and target

random assignment to Friend and Target Both condition

OTHERFriend support

random assignment to Friend Provides Support condition

OTHERunfamiliar peer and target

random assignment to Unfamiliar Peer and Target condition

OTHERalone

random assignment to Alone condition

Sponsors

University of Minnesota
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
11 Years to 14 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* sufficient vision, hearing, and language skills to provide verbal and written assent * ability to see and read stimuli presented on the computer screen * ability to hear verbal instructions provided by the experimenter and judges

Exclusion criteria

* premature birth (less than 37 weeks) * congenital and/or chromosomal disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy, FAS, mental retardation, Turner Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Fragile X) * Autism Spectrum Disorders * history of serious medical illness (e.g., cancer, organ transplant) * serious psychiatric illness * systemic glucocorticoids or beta-adrenergic medication use

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cortisol AUCi2 hoursCortisol response to the TSST, measured as Area Under the Curve, increase from baseline. 7 Samples were taken during the course of the assessment, at (1) arrival for training purposes; (2) after the calming video, 30 minutes after arrival; (3) after 5 minutes of speech preparation; (4) after 10+minutes of speech and math performance; (5) 15 minutes after sample 4; (6) 10 minutes after sample 5; (7) 10 minutes after sample 6. Area under the curve at intercept (AUCi) is calculated using samples 2-7 with sample 2 as the intercept.
sAA AUCi2 hoursSalivary Alpha Amylase response to the TSST, measured as Area Under the Curve, increase from baseline. 7 Samples were taken during the course of the assessment, at (1) arrival for training purposes; (2) after the calming video, 30 minutes after arrival; (3) after 5 minutes of speech preparation; (4) after 10+minutes of speech and math performance; (5) 15 minutes after sample 4; (6) 10 minutes after sample 5; (7) 10 minutes after sample 6. Of those, samples (2, 4, 5) are assayed for salivary alpha amylase (sAA) in micrograms per milliliter. Area under the curve at intercept (AUCi) is calculated using samples 2, 4, 5 with sample 2 as the intercept.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Self Report of Stress2 hoursSelf-report of stress using a Likert-type scale with 5 levels of stress felt: (1) Not At All, (2) A Little, (3) Some, (4) A Lot, (5) A Whole Lot. Level of stress was reported for at these points during the assessment: (1) How stressed did you feel when you first connected on the video call and saw the experimenter?, (2) How stressful was the period of time before we started the video?, (3) How stressful did you feel while watching the video?, (4) How stressful was the period of time when you were preparing your speech and thinking about what to say?, (5) How stressful was giving the speech?, (6) How stressful was the math portion?, (7) How stressed do you feel now, after the speech and math portions are done? Self reported stress was computed as the mean of items (4, 5, 6) - item 1.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariateday of TSST sessionParents report on how many adults are living in the home.
Caffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate1-2 hours prior to TSST sessionYouth report on whether they consumed caffeine or nicotine in the 1-2 hours prior to the TSST assessment. Coded as no=0, yes=1. Used as a potential covariate for heart rate and neuroendocrine measures.
Granger Score. Potential Covariateday of 2 hour TSST sessionThe Granger score (ordinal, modeled continuously) is a score based on work by Doug Granger of medications that can affect activity of the HPA axis, weighted by significance of potential impact (Granger, Hibel, Fortunato, & Kapelewski, 2009). Each medication taken is given a score of 0, 1, or 2, and all medication scores for a participant is summed, resulting in scores from 0 to infinity. Lower scores are less likely to influence cortisol. Potential Covariate
Quality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionNetwork of Relationships Inventory (NRI) reported by youth for their primary parent on how much they experience various emotions or incidents (e.g. How much free time do you spend with this person?), reported on a 5-point scale: (1) Little or None, (2) Somewhat, (3) Very Much, (4) Extremely Much, (5) The Most. Mean scores calculated from all positive attachment items, range 1-5. Potential Covariate. This self report reflects the general current state of the relationship, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Hours Since Awakening. Potential Covariateday of testing sessionParticipants report the number of hours between waking up on the day of assessment and the start of the TSST test. This is only a potential covariate for cortisol, which follows a circadian rhythm.
Peer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionScale on the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 5pt scale (1-5), high scores indicate peer acceptance. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Behavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionScale on the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate inhibition. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Internalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionHigher order measure from the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate Internalizing. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Externalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionHigher order measure from the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate externalizing. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Quality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate2 hour TSST sessionNetwork of Relationships Inventory (NRI) reported by youth for their close friend on how much they experience various emotions or incidents (e.g. How much free time do you spend with this person?), reported on a 5-point scale: (1) Little or None, (2) Somewhat, (3) Very Much, (4) Extremely Much, (5) The Most. Mean scores calculated from all positive attachment items, ranging 1-5. Potential Covariate. This self report reflects the general current state of the relationship, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.
Pretax Family Income. Potential Covariatecalendar year previous to TSST sessionParents report on gross family income on an 11-point ordinal scale: (1) Less than $15,000, (2) $15,001 to $25,000, (3) $25,001 to $35,000, (4) $35,001 to $50,000, (5) $50,001 to $75,000, (6) $75,001 to $100,000, (7) $100,001 to $125,000, (8) $125,001 to $150,000, (9) $150,001 to $175,000, (10) $175,001 to 200,000, (11) $200,001 or more
Parental Average Education Level. Potential CovariatelifetimeParents report education level for both parents on a 6-point ordinal scale: (1) Less than high school degree, (2) High school or GED, (3) Associate degree, college academia program, (4) Bachelor's degree, (5) Master's degree, (6) Professional and/or Doctorate degree. Average of parents' education is calculated and reported.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Experimental: Friend and Target Both
There are four conditions: (1) Friend and Target both undergo the stressor, (2) Friend provides support but does not undergo the stressor, (3) Unfamiliar Peer and Target undergo the stressor, and (4) Alone (no partner).
61
Experimental: Friend Provides Support
There are four conditions: (1) Friend and Target both undergo the stressor, (2) Friend provides support but does not undergo the stressor, (3) Unfamiliar Peer and Target undergo the stressor, and (4) Alone (no partner).
65
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and Target
There are four conditions: (1) Friend and Target both undergo the stressor, (2) Friend provides support but does not undergo the stressor, (3) Unfamiliar Peer and Target undergo the stressor, and (4) Alone (no partner).
62
Experimental: Alone
There are four conditions: (1) Friend and Target both undergo the stressor, (2) Friend provides support but does not undergo the stressor, (3) Unfamiliar Peer and Target undergo the stressor, and (4) Alone (no partner).
68
Total256

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicExperimental: Friend and Target BothExperimental: Friend Provides SupportExperimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetExperimental: AloneTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
61 Participants65 Participants62 Participants68 Participants256 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Continuous12.98 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.05
12.98 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.05
12.94 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.91
13.15 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.11
13.02 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.03
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
3 Participants2 Participants5 Participants3 Participants13 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants2 Participants1 Participants2 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
10 Participants7 Participants1 Participants6 Participants24 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
47 Participants54 Participants55 Participants57 Participants213 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
31 Participants33 Participants31 Participants32 Participants127 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
30 Participants32 Participants31 Participants36 Participants129 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 630 / 720 / 650 / 69
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 630 / 720 / 650 / 69
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 630 / 720 / 650 / 69

Outcome results

Primary

Cortisol AUCi

Cortisol response to the TSST, measured as Area Under the Curve, increase from baseline. 7 Samples were taken during the course of the assessment, at (1) arrival for training purposes; (2) after the calming video, 30 minutes after arrival; (3) after 5 minutes of speech preparation; (4) after 10+minutes of speech and math performance; (5) 15 minutes after sample 4; (6) 10 minutes after sample 5; (7) 10 minutes after sample 6. Area under the curve at intercept (AUCi) is calculated using samples 2-7 with sample 2 as the intercept.

Time frame: 2 hours

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothCortisol AUCi0.0043 (ug/dl)*minutesStandard Deviation 0.06
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportCortisol AUCi0.0256 (ug/dl)*minutesStandard Deviation 0.06
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetCortisol AUCi0.0177 (ug/dl)*minutesStandard Deviation 0.05
Experimental: AloneCortisol AUCi0.022 (ug/dl)*minutesStandard Deviation 0.06
Primary

sAA AUCi

Salivary Alpha Amylase response to the TSST, measured as Area Under the Curve, increase from baseline. 7 Samples were taken during the course of the assessment, at (1) arrival for training purposes; (2) after the calming video, 30 minutes after arrival; (3) after 5 minutes of speech preparation; (4) after 10+minutes of speech and math performance; (5) 15 minutes after sample 4; (6) 10 minutes after sample 5; (7) 10 minutes after sample 6. Of those, samples (2, 4, 5) are assayed for salivary alpha amylase (sAA) in micrograms per milliliter. Area under the curve at intercept (AUCi) is calculated using samples 2, 4, 5 with sample 2 as the intercept.

Time frame: 2 hours

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothsAA AUCi0.0364 (ug/mL)*minuteStandard Deviation 0.12
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportsAA AUCi0.0434 (ug/mL)*minuteStandard Deviation 0.09
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetsAA AUCi0.0021 (ug/mL)*minuteStandard Deviation 0.14
Experimental: AlonesAA AUCi0.0255 (ug/mL)*minuteStandard Deviation 0.08
Secondary

Self Report of Stress

Self-report of stress using a Likert-type scale with 5 levels of stress felt: (1) Not At All, (2) A Little, (3) Some, (4) A Lot, (5) A Whole Lot. Level of stress was reported for at these points during the assessment: (1) How stressed did you feel when you first connected on the video call and saw the experimenter?, (2) How stressful was the period of time before we started the video?, (3) How stressful did you feel while watching the video?, (4) How stressful was the period of time when you were preparing your speech and thinking about what to say?, (5) How stressful was giving the speech?, (6) How stressful was the math portion?, (7) How stressed do you feel now, after the speech and math portions are done? Self reported stress was computed as the mean of items (4, 5, 6) - item 1.

Time frame: 2 hours

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothSelf Report of Stress1.65 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.86
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportSelf Report of Stress1.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.02
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetSelf Report of Stress1.65 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.99
Experimental: AloneSelf Report of Stress1.79 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.97
Other Pre-specified

Behavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate

Scale on the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate inhibition. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothBehavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate0.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.62
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportBehavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate0.52 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.43
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetBehavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate0.64 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.54
Experimental: AloneBehavioral Inhibition. Potential Covariate0.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.51
Other Pre-specified

Caffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate

Youth report on whether they consumed caffeine or nicotine in the 1-2 hours prior to the TSST assessment. Coded as no=0, yes=1. Used as a potential covariate for heart rate and neuroendocrine measures.

Time frame: 1-2 hours prior to TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothCaffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate0.05 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.22
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportCaffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate0.02 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.13
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetCaffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate0.06 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.25
Experimental: AloneCaffeine or Nicotine Use. Potential Covariate0.05 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.21
Other Pre-specified

Externalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate

Higher order measure from the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate externalizing. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothExternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.11 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.13
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportExternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.13
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetExternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.15
Experimental: AloneExternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.16
Other Pre-specified

Granger Score. Potential Covariate

The Granger score (ordinal, modeled continuously) is a score based on work by Doug Granger of medications that can affect activity of the HPA axis, weighted by significance of potential impact (Granger, Hibel, Fortunato, & Kapelewski, 2009). Each medication taken is given a score of 0, 1, or 2, and all medication scores for a participant is summed, resulting in scores from 0 to infinity. Lower scores are less likely to influence cortisol. Potential Covariate

Time frame: day of 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothGranger Score. Potential Covariate0.34 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.83
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportGranger Score. Potential Covariate0.28 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.79
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetGranger Score. Potential Covariate0.19 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
Experimental: AloneGranger Score. Potential Covariate0.64 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.36
Other Pre-specified

Hours Since Awakening. Potential Covariate

Participants report the number of hours between waking up on the day of assessment and the start of the TSST test. This is only a potential covariate for cortisol, which follows a circadian rhythm.

Time frame: day of testing session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothHours Since Awakening. Potential Covariate8.45 hoursStandard Deviation 2.03
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportHours Since Awakening. Potential Covariate7.8 hoursStandard Deviation 2.04
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetHours Since Awakening. Potential Covariate8.26 hoursStandard Deviation 2.06
Experimental: AloneHours Since Awakening. Potential Covariate8.59 hoursStandard Deviation 1.87
Other Pre-specified

Internalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate

Higher order measure from the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 3pt scale (0,1,2), high scores indicate Internalizing. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothInternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.26 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.17
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportInternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.24 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.22
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetInternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.2
Experimental: AloneInternalizing Symptoms. Potential Covariate0.26 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.22
Other Pre-specified

Number of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariate

Parents report on how many adults are living in the home.

Time frame: day of TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothNumber of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariate1.97 personsStandard Deviation 0.36
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportNumber of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariate1.97 personsStandard Deviation 0.47
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetNumber of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariate1.95 personsStandard Deviation 0.34
Experimental: AloneNumber of Adults in the Home. Potential Covariate2 personsStandard Deviation 0.42
Other Pre-specified

Parental Average Education Level. Potential Covariate

Parents report education level for both parents on a 6-point ordinal scale: (1) Less than high school degree, (2) High school or GED, (3) Associate degree, college academia program, (4) Bachelor's degree, (5) Master's degree, (6) Professional and/or Doctorate degree. Average of parents' education is calculated and reported.

Time frame: lifetime

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothParental Average Education Level. Potential Covariate4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.78
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportParental Average Education Level. Potential Covariate4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.87
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetParental Average Education Level. Potential Covariate4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.78
Experimental: AloneParental Average Education Level. Potential Covariate4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.72
Other Pre-specified

Peer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate

Scale on the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire, 5pt scale (1-5), high scores indicate peer acceptance. This report reflects the general current state of the youth, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothPeer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate3.61 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.69
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportPeer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate3.62 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.41
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetPeer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate3.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.31
Experimental: AlonePeer Acceptance/Rejection. Potential Covariate3.56 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.41
Other Pre-specified

Pretax Family Income. Potential Covariate

Parents report on gross family income on an 11-point ordinal scale: (1) Less than $15,000, (2) $15,001 to $25,000, (3) $25,001 to $35,000, (4) $35,001 to $50,000, (5) $50,001 to $75,000, (6) $75,001 to $100,000, (7) $100,001 to $125,000, (8) $125,001 to $150,000, (9) $150,001 to $175,000, (10) $175,001 to 200,000, (11) $200,001 or more

Time frame: calendar year previous to TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothPretax Family Income. Potential Covariate9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.37
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportPretax Family Income. Potential Covariate9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.98
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetPretax Family Income. Potential Covariate8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.04
Experimental: AlonePretax Family Income. Potential Covariate9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.18
Other Pre-specified

Quality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate

Network of Relationships Inventory (NRI) reported by youth for their close friend on how much they experience various emotions or incidents (e.g. How much free time do you spend with this person?), reported on a 5-point scale: (1) Little or None, (2) Somewhat, (3) Very Much, (4) Extremely Much, (5) The Most. Mean scores calculated from all positive attachment items, ranging 1-5. Potential Covariate. This self report reflects the general current state of the relationship, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothQuality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.71
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportQuality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.36 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.71
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetQuality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.31 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.73
Experimental: AloneQuality of Relationship With Close Friend, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.73
Other Pre-specified

Quality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate

Network of Relationships Inventory (NRI) reported by youth for their primary parent on how much they experience various emotions or incidents (e.g. How much free time do you spend with this person?), reported on a 5-point scale: (1) Little or None, (2) Somewhat, (3) Very Much, (4) Extremely Much, (5) The Most. Mean scores calculated from all positive attachment items, range 1-5. Potential Covariate. This self report reflects the general current state of the relationship, without a specific timeframe, and was obtained during the TSST session.

Time frame: 2 hour TSST session

Population: 256 participants were completed, with 61 Friend and Target Both, 65 Friend Support, 62 Unfamiliar Peer, and 68 Alone. For each outcomes, all available analyzable data were included in results, sometimes resulting in lower n.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Experimental: Friend and Target BothQuality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.22 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.74
Experimental: Friend Provides SupportQuality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.44 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.79
Experimental: Unfamiliar Peer and TargetQuality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.23 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.7
Experimental: AloneQuality of Relationship With Primary Parent, BSV Positive Attachment Scale. Potential Covariate3.26 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.85

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026