Aware aims to be the largest applied research study to assess mood and its relationship to PTSD and will seek to tailor insights to an individual’s context. The study lasts 28 days and asks participants to respond to surveys every week and perform two daily tasks, all while collecting data.
Try the app
The Aware team will spend the coming months developing a prototype ResearchKit app to pilot with iPhone users in TestFlight.
Sign up below to try the Aware Study when the prototype is ready.
Meet Aware
Why are you conducting this study?
In any given year, it is estimated that 5 to 7 million adults in the U.S. are living with PTSD, and these estimates do not include the millions of individuals experiencing symptoms but who do not meet all criteria for a diagnosis. Certain populations, including veterans, women, rescue workers, and members of urban communities with high levels of violence disproportionately experience PTSD. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate brief, engaging, mobile methods to measure mood and PTSD symptoms among adults, and explore how associated social and contextual factors could be used to more rapidly detect changes in PTSD symptoms. We will also be evaluating tools to boost mood and potentially reduce symptom severity.
How does your study leverage ResearchKit?
Our study leverages many different aspects of ResearchKit including the ability to reach a large, diverse sample by deploying through the App Store, obtaining in-app consent, collecting survey data based on existing ORKTask Protocols, and integrating passive data streams directly from the device, like steps and music listening habits.
Who is your target audience?
Our study is open to all adults currently living in the United States, who feel comfortable enough with English to provide informed consent. However, we are particularly interested in recruiting people who have experienced a traumatic event and may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
How will participants benefit?
Participants will receive feedback in two primary forms: 1) daily, weekly, and monthly data summary visualizations and 2) actionable insights that leverage the device’s capabilities (like an audio-guided, deep breathing exercise). We would also like to provide participants with a summary report at the end of the study.