Highland Park

This research aims to improve decision-making and memory among at-risk adolescents aged 11 to 15 living in underserved communities who have experienced early childhood adversity. The study focuses on addressing delay discounting (DD), a behavior linked to early and problematic substance use, by using a computer-based working memory training program. The goal is to see if improving DD can help prevent substance misuse during early adolescence and inform future prevention efforts for youth exposed to adverse experiences. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an active group receiving multi-session computer-based working memory training designed to improve delay discounting, and a control group undergoing a similar computer training that does not engage working memory. The training will take place over 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the study site. During the study, participants will complete assessments including the Monetary Choice Questionnaire at the start, after 2 weeks, and at 3 months to measure changes in delay discounting. The study will also track substance use outcomes over the three-month follow-up. Participants and their parents will be asked to receive and send study-related text messages and have access to internet or cell phone services throughout the process.