NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Cognitive training to improve emotion control in psychotic disorders

Official title: Cognitive Training for Emotion Regulation in Psychotic Disorders

Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11385349 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A smartphone-based cognitive training program is tested to help people with psychotic disorders manage their emotions more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Georgia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Athens, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$549,411
NIH project number5R33MH121560-05
Project IDNIH-11385349 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Outpatients with a diagnosed psychotic disorder who own a smartphone and can participate in a 20-day training program.

Less likely to help

Patients without access to a smartphone or who cannot participate in a 20-day program may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project will test whether a brief emotional working memory training app on a smartphone can improve how people with psychotic disorders regulate emotions and, in turn, their daily functioning. In the initial phase (R61), outpatients with psychotic disorders will be randomly assigned to receive either the emotional working memory training or a placebo control for 20 days. The study uses brain and behavioral measures to determine changes in emotion regulation and related clinical outcomes. If successful, this approach could offer a scalable, non-drug option to support patients in real-world settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better emotion control and improved daily functioning through an accessible smartphone-based intervention.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests computerized cognitive training can improve emotion regulation and neural activation in relevant brain regions, supporting exploration in psychotic disorders.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Georgia
    Athens, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Strauss, Gregory P — University of Georgia
  • Study coordinator: Strauss, Gregory P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Smartphone brain-training to help people with psychosis manage emotions

    A smartphone-based emotional working memory training program aimed at helping people with psychotic disorders improve control over their emotions.

    NIH research University of Georgia · Athens, United States · NIH-11136921

  • Improving emotion control in people with psychotic disorders

    This study is looking at whether a special smartphone app can help people with psychotic disorders get better at managing their emotions over 20 days, and it will compare the results to see if the app really makes a difference.

    NIH research University of Georgia · Athens, United States · NIH-10495487

  • Neural Circuitry Resilience in Psychotic Disorders

    Researchers are using ultra-high-field brain scans to understand how brain networks in people with schizophrenia adapt over time, with the goal of finding new ways to improve thinking and daily functioning.

    NIH research Veterans Health Administration · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11563768

  • Family psychoeducation for adults with psychotic disorders in Tanzania

    A program in Tanzania helps adults with psychotic disorders and their families by delivering group-based psychoeducation to improve daily living and reduce hospital visits.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11524689

  • Family psychoeducation for adults with psychotic disorders in Tanzania

    A culturally tailored, group-based program helps families support adults with psychotic disorders in Tanzania, aiming to improve daily functioning and quality of life.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11524688

  • Family psychoeducation for adults with psychotic disorders in Tanzania

    A culturally tailored, group-based program for people with psychotic disorders and their families in Tanzania is being tested to see if it improves daily functioning and quality of life.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11524687

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.