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Delta-Beta Coupling and Digital Media Use as Predictors of Anxiety in Adolescence

Delta-Beta Coupling and Digital Media Use as Predictors of Anxiety in Adolescence

Headshot of Sarah Myruski
PI: Sarah Myruski

Funder: Society for Research in Child Development
Administered in: College of the Liberal Arts

Abstract:

Anxiety disorders are among the most common forms of psychopathology, with symptom onset peaking in adolescence. Over the past several decades, the social world of teens has been transformed by pervasive digital media use (DMU; e.g., social media, messaging apps). Adolescence is a critical period of social-emotional development, particularly regarding neural maturation underlying emotion regulation (ER), the implicit and explicit processes by which we manage emotions, and a major predictor of anxiety.

Aim 1 will examine associations between delta-beta coupling measured via mobile EEG headset (Emotiv Insight), emotional state, and digital media used during a lab-based self-guided use session. We will examine whether higher delta-beta coupling during digital media use mediates increases in state anxiety after vs before the session. We will examine whether self-report and passive-sensing of digital activities during the session mediates changes in delta-beta coupling and state anxiety.

Aim 2 will examine how links among delta-beta coupling, digital media use, and anxiety change longitudinally across one year. 

Additional Faculty:

Headshot of Kristin Buss
Kristin Buss
Psychology

Research Staff:

Headshot of Stacey LeVan
Stacey LeVan
Project Coordinator
Headshot of Tatum Gramly
Tatum Gramly
Headshot of Alina Hoff
Alina Hoff
Jihee Lee standing in a field
Jihee Lee
Headshot of Maggie Penner
Maggie Penner
Headshot of Justin Wortman
Justin Wortman

Graduate Student:

Headshot of Maddie Politte-Corn
Maddie Politte-Corn
Psychology