More About The Study

About the Study

The CREATE lab at the University of Maryland, College Park, led by Dr. Henry Willis, is conducting a research study to improve understanding of how Black youth experience and are affected by online racism. We are developing a mobile health (mHealth) app to help Black youth navigate online racism and cope with mental health problems using culturally-specific coping processes.

We invite your child to participate in virtual focus groups exploring their experiences with online racism. This is an opportunity for your child to help design a free, digital psychosocial intervention to improve the mental health of Black youth nationwide. Their feedback is valuable in ensuring the mHealth tool is seen as acceptable by other Black youth.

Eligibility:

Black or African American-identifying youth aged 13 to 17 years.

Currently enrolled in traditional U.S. middle or high schools.

Active on social media at least once a week over the past year.

What to Expect:

Virtual Focus Groups:

Your child will participate in small focus groups conducted over password-protected Zoom meetings. Audio or video recording is required

Discussion Topics:

Groups will discuss mental health, online racism, and coping strategies. Participants will also develop design ideas for a mobile health app.

Time Commitment:

Meeting 2hours long. There will be five focus group meetings with the potential to be invited for a sixth meeting.

Compensation:

Participants can earn $100 per focus group, up to a total of $600 Compensation is provided via a reloadable electronic gift card within 24 hours of each focus group.

Empowering Black Youth: Shape the Future of Mental Health Support