The TU Tough Study - NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLING NEW PARTICIPANTS

The TU Tough study is a collaborative effort between The University of Tulsa and Laureate Institute for Brain Research. 
 
Why TU Tough?
This study aims to examine the impact of mental toughness training on academic success and psychological well-being of first-year college students at The University of Tulsa. By participating you will help us to better understand sources of stress and resiliency in college students and develop interventions to help optimize student success.

Who can participate?
First year students at The University of Tulsa who:
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are fluent enough in English to be able to understand and complete questionnaires and interviews that are conducted in English
  • Have regular access to a personal, campus, or other computer
  • Are NOT on an international student visa, due to current restrictions on providing international students research compensation
  • Are NOT currently experiencing severe or unstable medical or mental health conditions that require immediate medical attention
Although we are assessing for symptoms of stress, anxiety, and mood, you do not need to have any of these symptoms to participate in this study.

How do I participate?
Participants will first complete one online survey related to their current stress. This survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Participants in this survey will receive a $10 gift card (for example, to GameStop, Amazon, Quik Trip, etc.) and a TU Tough t-shirt.
 
If you are interested in participating, please contact us at: neurocatt@laureateinstitute.org.
What happens next?
Up to 300 students will then be invited to participate in Part 2 of the study. These participants will be asked to complete an initial in-person session at the University of Tulsa, provide an optional saliva sample for genetic analysis, complete either mental toughness training or college as usual, and complete surveys online repeatedly for the next 5 years. Participants will be compensated for these aspects of the study as well. For completing all of Part 2 of the study, participants would receive $275 total. 

Community Resources
If you experience significant stress, anxiety or mood problems, we encourage you to download our list of resources on campus and in the community. ​

Thank you for your interest in this study.
Please share with other students at TU!

In the News: Mental Health & Resilience Among College Students

Helping Students Flourish
Researchers at Duke University and partnering schools are conducting research very similar to the StAR-C study. ​College resiliency is sweeping the nation!
CU Thrive
“CU Thrive” is a website specifically focused on issues related to resiliency for college students. Students can learn about managing debt, study skills, anxiety and depression, improving relationships, and more. A great resource to check out! 
The Brain and Resilience
The Laureate Institute for Brain Research Scientific Director, Dr. Martin Paulus, has published research on how brain responses during stress may support the resilience of elite special operations soldiers and adventure racers.
The Need for More Prevention
The L.A. Times has reported on how colleges across the U.S. are recognizing the need for prevention programs that increase resilience in the face of rising college stress.