Exploring how bystanders can help prevent self-directed violence among marginalized youth and young adults
Official title: Understanding Bystanders for Self-Directed Violence Prevention: A Prospective National Study Highlighting Marginalized Youth and Young Adults
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-10845638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how friends and bystanders can help prevent self-harm and suicide among young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, by learning to recognize when someone is in trouble and how to step in to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $629,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH128269-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth and young adults under 21 years old, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who may have been exposed to self-directed violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 21 and under or who do not identify with marginalized communities may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bystanders in preventing self-directed violence, such as suicide and self-harm, particularly among marginalized youth and young adults. It focuses on understanding how bystanders can be trained to recognize and intervene when they see someone at risk. The study will collect data on the experiences and attitudes of these bystanders over time to identify barriers and facilitators to effective intervention. By examining the impact of bystander actions, the research aims to enhance existing prevention programs and improve outcomes for at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for preventing self-directed violence, ultimately saving lives and improving mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that gatekeeper training programs can positively influence knowledge and attitudes about suicide, although their real-world effectiveness remains underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell Lema, Kimberly J — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Mitchell Lema, Kimberly J
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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.