Participate

This study aims to investigate how subtle non-verbal cues—such as changes in facial expressions and speech patterns—relate to mental health symptoms, which are often difficult to detect through traditional clinical assessments or self-reports. The research will combine a virtual social communication task with a 14-day daily diary component to explore how depression interacts with everyday stressors and social experiences. In the first phase, participants will engage in Zoom-based virtual social interactions, during which facial and acoustic speech features will be extracted from screen recordings. In the second phase, participants will complete daily diaries to report on their emotional and social experiences in real-world settings. By integrating data from both Zoom interactions and daily self-reports, the study will link observed facial and speech cues to participants’ self-reported mood and social functioning. The ultimate goal is to identify behavioral markers that can support early detection of depressive symptoms, paving the way for timely interventions in diverse environments such as schools and workplaces. 

Participants taking part in this study will complete a baseline survey and then schedule time slots for online recorded zoom interactions with other participants. Upon completion of 5 zoom interactions, participants will move onto a 14-day period of daily surveys. The entire study will take place virtually.

Please email scdbu1@gmail.com for more information.