Digital intervention for young adults who self-injure without suicidal intent
Official title: Digital Mental Health Intervention for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Young Adults
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10800792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | March 14, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH128410-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-30 who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury and are open to using digital mental health tools.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in self-injury or those who are not comfortable using digital platforms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital mental health intervention aimed at young adults who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). It addresses the significant mental health burden associated with NSSI, which affects about 13% of young adults and can lead to severe outcomes, including increased risk of suicide. The study will design and test a user-friendly digital platform that provides support and skills to help individuals manage their self-injury behaviors, particularly targeting those who may not seek traditional mental health services. By leveraging young adults' openness to digital solutions, the intervention aims to improve engagement and effectiveness in addressing NSSI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and accessible treatment option for young adults struggling with nonsuicidal self-injury, potentially reducing the incidence of self-harm and improving overall mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital mental health interventions can be effective for treating common mental health issues, suggesting potential success for this novel approach to NSSI.
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
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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.