Attention and Social Behavior in Children

This study examines the way attention may be linked to temperamental risk for anxiety, social behavior and brain processes. The study aims to see if temperamentally at risk youth display an attention bias towards threat, and if anxiety symptoms can be reduced through attentional bias modification training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 9-12 year olds who do not meet exclusionary criteria (split into groups based on high and low temperamental shyness)

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence or permanent metal orthodontics or implanted metal devices
• severe psychiatric diagnosis
• IQ under 70 as assessed by the WISC