Creating a digital tool to help teenagers who self-injure
Official title: Developing a Digital Intervention for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-injury
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11060283 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,000 |
| NIH project number | 3K01MH131898-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060283 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 14 to 17 who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury and are seeking help.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in self-injury or are outside the age range of 14 to 17 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital mental health intervention specifically for adolescents aged 14 to 17 who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The project aims to address the barriers that prevent these young individuals from seeking help, such as stigma and lack of access to traditional mental health services. By collaborating with Mental Health America, the research will create a user-friendly digital platform that provides evidence-based psychological strategies tailored to the unique needs of adolescents. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated to ensure it meets the preferences of the target population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide adolescents with accessible and effective support for managing self-injury behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with digital mental health interventions for various conditions, indicating potential for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruzan, Kaylee Payne — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kruzan, Kaylee Payne
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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A brief intervention to help veterans reduce self-injury and improve their lives
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.
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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.
-
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.