Volunteering as an Intervention to Reduce Depression Among Adolescents

Volunteering as an Intervention to Reduce Depression Among Adolescents: Investigating Neurobiological Mechanisms

The purpose of the present study is to test in a preliminary manner an innovative strategy for treating depression among adolescents (alongside existing therapy) using community volunteerism.

The purpose of the present study is to test in a preliminary manner an innovative strategy for treating depression among adolescents (alongside existing therapy) using community volunteerism. In addition, this study will test a potential mechanism by which volunteering might decrease depressive symptoms: increasing psychosocial assets, specifically decreasing self-orientation and increasing an orientation toward others. This will be measured through self-report as well as using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This study will be the first study to explore how neural response patterns are potentially altered by intense experiences with volunteerism among depressed adolescents.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 14-20
• new mild to moderate depression diagnosis (single episode)
• new mild to moderate anxiety diagnosis
• new adjustment disorder diagnosis
• have been in treatment for < 8 months
• right-handed

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of recurrent depressive, anxiety or adjustment disorder episodes
• have been in treatment > 8 months
• left-handed
• expressing suicidal ideation
• claustrophobia
• any contraindications for completing an MRI scan