A program to help staff in gun violence prevention manage stress and avoid burnout.
Official title: FOREST (Fostering Optimal Regulation of Emotion for prevention of Secondary Trauma): Implementation and evaluation of a burnout prevention program for staff in gun violence prevention programs.
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10893836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a program called FOREST that helps people working to prevent gun violence by teaching them how to handle stress and feel more positive, so they can take care of themselves and do their important work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,027,399 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AT011863-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are front-line staff working in gun violence prevention programs who are exposed to chronic stress and trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in gun violence prevention programs or who do not work in high-stress environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the FOREST program, which aims to support staff working in gun violence prevention programs by teaching them skills to manage stress and enhance positive emotions. The program is designed to help these front-line workers maintain their well-being and reduce the risk of burnout, which is crucial for the success of community outreach efforts. By implementing and evaluating this program at various READI Chicago sites, the research seeks to create a sustainable model for staff support in high-stress environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and job satisfaction for staff, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of gun violence prevention programs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that programs aimed at enhancing emotional regulation can improve well-being and reduce burnout, suggesting a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moskowitz, Judith T. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Moskowitz, Judith T.
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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.