A brief intervention to help veterans reduce self-injury and improve their lives
Official title: A Brief Intervention to Reduce Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Improve Functioning in Veterans
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-10940585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is designed to help veterans who hurt themselves without wanting to end their lives by adapting a special treatment to better understand and support them, aiming to replace harmful behaviors with healthier ways to cope and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX004803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who struggle with nonsuicidal self-injury and are seeking effective treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in self-injurious behaviors or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping veterans who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is the intentional harm of one's own body without suicidal intent. The study aims to adapt a treatment called Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) specifically for veterans, enhancing it with real-time assessments to better understand and address the reasons behind their self-injury. By using a nine-session individualized approach, the intervention seeks to replace self-injurious behaviors with healthier coping strategies that improve overall functioning and well-being. The research will also track the effectiveness of these interventions through ongoing assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce self-injury behaviors in veterans and enhance their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on NSSI in veterans, similar interventions have shown promise in other populations, indicating potential for success in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halverson, Tate F — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Halverson, Tate F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Short therapy to reduce self-injury and help Veterans function better
A nine-session, Veteran-adapted therapy uses real-time phone-based tracking to help people stop non-suicidal self-injury and improve daily functioning.
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Creating a digital tool to help teenagers who self-injure
This study is creating a helpful online tool for teens aged 14 to 17 who hurt themselves in non-suicidal ways, making it easier for them to get support and learn coping strategies without feeling judged.
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Creating a digital tool to help teenagers who self-injure
This study is creating a helpful online tool for teens aged 14 to 17 who hurt themselves in non-suicidal ways, making it easier for them to find support and learn coping strategies without feeling judged.
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Digital intervention for young adults who self-injure without suicidal intent
This study is creating a friendly online tool to help young adults who struggle with self-injury, offering support and skills to manage their feelings and behaviors, especially for those who might not want to go to traditional therapy.
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Blended ERITA for Teens Who Self-Injure
A blended, youth-focused therapy test combines in-person sessions with digital tools to help teens who have recently self-injured see if this approach improves emotion regulation and daily functioning.
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Internet-delivered Emotion Regulation Therapy for Adolescents with NSSI
This trial tests whether a flexible, internet-based therapy for teens who self-injure can be more effective than standard online treatment for reducing nonsuicidal self-injury symptoms.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.