Introduction and aims
Stress and poor wellbeing are increasingly common among young people in the UK. While there is growing evidence that social, cultural, and community activities can reduce stress and improve welbeing, little is known about how this works, particularly at a biological level.
The CARE study aims to explore whether engaging in community activities can reduce stress and improve wellbeing among young people. In particular, the study investigates current engagement in community activities, measures of psychological wellbeing, and a biological measure of stress (cortisol) in saliva samples.
This study is designed to be a fun and interactive way for pupils to learn more about the psychology and biology of wellbeing while taking part in real-world scientific research.
Research methods
The study will be conducted among pupils in Years 7 and 8 in schools across London. Parents will be invited to provide consent and from there, pupils will be invited to opt-into the study.
Once parents and pupils have expressed interest in participating, the following steps will occur:
- Pupils will complete a questionnaire about their wellbeing, loneliness, and engagement in social, cultural, and community activities. This will take place at home and should require no more than 30-minutes.
- Following completion of the questionnaire, participants will provide saliva samples over the course of two school days. A member of the research team will be on hand to support saliva sample collection and provide a positive learning experience for the pupils.
Once this portion of the study is complete, the anonymous saliva samples will be sent to a lab for analysis. The samples will be used to measure cortisol, a hormone that reflects the body’s biological response to stress. No DNA from the samples will be analysed. Once data has been analysed, the samples will be destroyed.
Once the analysis is complete, the research team will be in touch with participating pupils and their parents via email with an overview of the findings.
Outcomes
This study will provide new insights into the relationship between engagement in community activites, stress, and wellbeing among young people. By examining both self-reported and biological measures of stress, the research will help determine whether community activities can influence how young people feel and how they respond to stress.
Findings from the study will inform the development of more effective, accessible, and preventative approaches to support young people’s wellbeing, both within schools and in the wider community.