Exploring how cultural factors protect American Indians from mental health issues
Official title: Neuroscientific Exploration of Cultural Protective Factors in American Indians
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-10982503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cultural practices and social support can help improve mental health for American Indian communities, especially since they experience higher rates of suicide and mental health issues, and it involves brain scans and tests to see how these factors work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | December 27, 2020 |
| Project end | April 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,271 |
| NIH project number | 5R00MD015736-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include American Indian individuals experiencing mental health concerns or those interested in the impact of cultural factors on mental health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or those without mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the protective effects of cultural factors on mental health among American Indian populations, who face high rates of suicide and mental health disorders. By examining the relationship between cultural practices, social support, and cognitive control, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that contribute to better mental health outcomes. Participants will undergo behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques, such as EEG and fMRI, to measure cognitive control and its association with cultural factors. The findings could inform culturally tailored prevention and intervention strategies for mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions that are culturally relevant and effective for American Indian communities.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically examining the neural underpinnings of cultural protective factors in American Indians, similar studies have shown promising results in other populations regarding the impact of cultural factors on mental health.
Where this research is happening
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Evan James — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: White, Evan James
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.