The UGA Health and Development Lab is seeking 5th and 8th grade youth and their parent to participate in a research study examining how children’s experiences across the transition to middle or high school are linked to parents’ physical health.

Participation will include three lab visits (in April of 5th or 8th grade, Fall of 6th or 9th grade, and Fall of 7th or 10th grade), as well as one remote survey in the spring of 6th/9th grade. At each study visit, parents will undergo a blood draw, and children and parents will complete surveys, body measurements, and participate in a videotaped discussion. After the in-person visits, parents and children will each answer a few brief questions about their day over a two-week period, and parents will wear actigraphy watches for one week to measure sleep and physical activity. Families will be compensated up to $600 for completing all study tasks.

We are recruiting families with children currently in 5th or 8th grade in the 2026-2027 school year. Your first lab visit will be scheduled sometime between January to May of 2027, and this visit typically take 2 hours.