Exploring how diverse experiences can boost positive emotions in people with depression
Official title: Mapping links between real-world diversity, positive emotion, and neural dynamics in anhedonia
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11086776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trying new activities and visiting different places can help boost positive feelings in people dealing with depression and PTSD, and it aims to find ways to improve mental health through these real-life experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,133 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133693-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with depression or PTSD who experience reduced positive affect.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have symptoms of depression or PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between experiencing a variety of real-world activities and the enhancement of positive emotions in individuals suffering from depression and PTSD. It aims to identify how increasing 'experiential diversity'—the variety of places and activities one engages in—can positively influence mental health by strengthening specific brain circuits associated with reward and novelty. The study employs advanced techniques such as mobile tracking and resting state fMRI to understand these connections better. By focusing on real-world interventions, the research seeks to develop effective strategies to improve positive affect in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that enhance positive emotions in individuals with depression, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing positive affect through experiential diversity, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heller, Aaron S — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Heller, Aaron S
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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.