Resarch Study
(A Study on Self-Esteem)
Self-Esteem Research Study
Participate in a Research Study with the University of Chicago
We are inviting individuals with an autism diagnosis to participate in a research study focused on self-esteem. This study is being conducted to better understand self-esteem and related experiences in autistic individuals.
Your participation may help improve understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
STUDYID #: 2025-1383
Research Study Title: Self Esteem & Autism Intervention
Principal Investigator Name and Title: Emily Gregori, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator Name and Title: Saba Mahmood, M.Ed.
You are being asked to participate in a research study. Research studies answer important questions that might help change or improve the way we do things in the future.
You May Qualify If:
11 – 17 Years Old
Have a Current Diagnosis of Austim (ASD)
Take a Qualification Survey
** Parent Permission Required **
Participation Involves:
A 6-Week one-on-one Intervention Program
Each Session is 30 Minutes Per Week / Audio-Recorded
Everything is Virtual – No Need To Travel
Why Do This Research Study?
This research study will answer important questions that might help change or improve the way we do things in the future.
Why Can I Participate?
This study is looking for 14=1-17 year old volunteers with a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What Will I Be Asked To Do?
You will be asked to participate in a six-week self-esteem intervention via Zoom, which will be audio-recorded. Your
video will be off. In the first five minutes of the first Zoom session, you will be given a demographic survey containing three questions asking about gender, spoken language, and race. You will then be asked to participant in six (6) weekly sessions in a group setting (about 3-5 other participants). During the sessions, you will be asked to complete worksheets, answer questions about your feelings, and participate in group discussions.
At the end of sessions 2-5, you will be asked to answer weekly monitoring questions. At the end of the last session, you will complete a post-test online. At the end of the last session, you will be given the option to verbally answer three questions about how you think the study went (social validity).
How Much Time Does This Take?
The total estimated time to complete the interview will be between 30 to 45 minutes once a week, for six weeks.
What Are The Benefits?
Being in this study will not help you directly. We hope that your participation in the study may benefit other people in the future by helping us learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Benefits may include learned strategies to improve self-esteem. There is no compensation (for example, money, gifts, or gift certificates) associated with this study.
What Are The Risks?
The risks associated with participation in this study are minimal and comparable to those encountered in everyday educational or counseling activities. Potential risks include psychological or emotional discomfort that may arise during participation in self-reflective activities, discussions, or exercises focused on self-esteem, personal strengths, or social experiences. Participants may experience mild discomfort, frustration, or temporary emotional distress when engaging in activities that require reflection on personal challenges or feelings. These reactions are expected to occur infrequently and to be temporary in nature. Although we ask everyone in the group to respect everyone’s privacy and confidentiality, and not to identify anyone in the group or repeat what is said during the group discussion, other members of the group may accidentally disclose what was said. A potential risk of participation involves a breach of confidentiality, as the study involves the collection of identifiable information. However, strict procedures will be implemented to minimize this risk, including secure data storage, limited access to data, and the use of participant codes in place of identifying information.
To apply for participation, click the link below and type ‘Research Study’ in the subject line.
