PSY 357 Investigation of Factors Predicting & Maintaining High Levels of Worry
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT

Faculty:
Michael J. Telch, Ph.D., Professor
David M. Tucker, Ph.D., Adjunct Associate Professor
Contact:
Matt A. Brown M.A., mbrowna@psy.utexas.edu
Phone: 653-2668 (Cell) or 232-5010 (Lab)
Description:
This study seeks to investigate issues pertaining to underlying neurocognitive factors that may increase risk for the development of pathological worry & generalized anxiety disorder. The goal is to test various aspects of memory functioning that would be in line with predictions that worry serves as a mechanism by which the activation of fear and accompanying arousal can be avoided. This study will investigate specific cognitive processes related to this proposition under different conditions of worry induction.
Qualifications:
Individuals wishing to assist in this project must be committed to performing their responsibilities with care and competency. As an understanding of some methodological issues would be of benefit volunteers who obtained higher marks in Psych 418 are desired. While individuals willing to make a multi-semester commitment to working on this project are preferred, this is not a requirement
Duties:
Duties will include administration of clinical diagnostic assessment measures, training in the ethical treatment of human subjects and HIPAA guidelines. RAs will administer protocols including computerized assessment of memory functioning, semi-structured diagnostic assessment of anxiety disorders and depression, procedures oriented to activate worry in participants, and data entry and management. Current duties will include assisting in the collection of pilot data, and collaboration of ideas for the application of pilot study results to the development of the study. Duties will also include data entry and management. Finally, all research assistants will be required to attend weekly lab meetings and complete a short paper at the end of each semester. Each position requires a minimum 8hr/week commitment.

|