Avoiding Positive Experiences and How That Relates to Depression
Reward Devaluation, Positive Valence Systems Disturbance, and Impairment
['FUNDING_R15'] · NEW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11221839
This project tests whether people who avoid positive things are more likely to have depression or poorer day-to-day functioning.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R15'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11221839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would do computer tasks and questionnaires that measure how you respond to positive versus negative options, including a new Valence Selection Task. The researchers will compare task results with self-reported depression symptoms and measures of daily functioning. They will enroll teens and adults with a range of mood symptoms, from typical to more severe, to see which task patterns match current problems. The goal is to find behavioral signs that might help predict who struggles most and who could benefit from specific treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are teens and adults (about age 15 and up) who have a range of depressive or mood-related symptoms or concerns about low mood.
Not a fit: People without mood-related problems or those seeking immediate medical or medication treatment may not receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at risk for depression and guide treatments that target avoidance of positive experiences.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown depressed people often avoid rewarding stimuli, but using the Valence Selection Task to predict symptoms and functioning is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WINER, E. SAMUEL — NEW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WINER, E. SAMUEL
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 below.