January, 3rd 2023

Dear Parent:

The Developmental Social Neuroscience (DSN) lab at the University of Oregon (UO) is re-launching our ongoing Transitions in Adolescent Girls (TAG) Study. Nearly 200 local families have already participated in this study over the past 6 years, and there is now an opportunity for your family to join the TAG Study!

Adolescence is a time of many significant changes – the transitions into middle and high school, growing brains and bodies that are going through puberty, and big changes in relationships with family and friends. It is a time of vulnerability to problems, as well as great opportunities for growth. The goal of our study is to better understand how these changes are connected with each other, so that in the future we can help all adolescents to thrive during these changes, and help those at higher risk to avoid problems.

The scientist leading the study is Jennifer Pfeifer, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology at UO. Other scientists involved in the study from UO are Nick Allen, Ph.D., Melynda Casement, Ph.D., Kate Mills, Ph.D, and Elizabeth Shirtcliff, Ph.D.. The study is funded by a major grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

If your child decides to participate (with your consent), we will measure the ways their body and brain change as they go through puberty. We will relate these biological changes to their self-esteem, motivation, thinking skills, friendships, emotions, and well-being. The study involves up to three assessments over three years. At each assessment there are two visits, approximately four weeks apart, totaling up to 6 hours; you and your child will be paid for your time. The study takes place not at school, but on the UO campus – providing an opportunity to interact meaningfully with scientists at UO. Your choice whether or not to participate in this study will be completely confidential, and will in no way be communicated to the school or district. Kee Zublin, the Secondary Director of Teaching & Learning, approved a partnership with the Bethel District leadership team allowing us to send parents this letter; the DSN lab has never had direct access to your contact information.

If you think you and your child might be interested in participating, or would like to learn more about how we do our research, please visit us on the web at https://uodsnlab.com/participate OR scan the QR code on this letter! Here you can join our database of families by giving information about the best ways and times to reach you, as well as a few details about your child. Again, this information is confidential and secure. A researcher will contact you to discuss the study in more detail, and work with you to find out if this is something you and your child want to join. You will not be pressured to participate if you are not interested after learning more.

Thank you for your time, and we hope you and your child have an excellent year!

Jennifer H. Pfeifer, Ph.D., Professor of Developmental Psychology

Co-Director, National Scientific Council on Adolescence

jpfeifer@uoregon.edu (541) 346-1984

Nicholas B. Allen, Ph.D., Ann Swindells Professor of Clinical Psychology

nallen3@uoregon.edu (541) 346-4075