Exploring how racial discrimination affects substance use in Black college students

Ecological Momentary Assessment of Mechanisms Linking Racial Discrimination and Substance Use in Black College Students

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11004352

This study looks at how experiences of racial discrimination affect substance use among Black college students at mostly white schools, gathering real-time information to better understand their daily challenges and help improve support for their mental health and well-being.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11004352 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between racial discrimination and substance use among Black college students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). By utilizing ecological momentary assessment, the study collects real-time data on students' experiences of discrimination and their substance use behaviors. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how these factors fluctuate in daily life, particularly in the context of the unique stressors faced by these students. The research aims to provide insights that could inform interventions to support mental health and substance use prevention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black college students enrolled at Predominantly White Institutions who experience racial discrimination.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or are not college students at PWIs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce substance use and improve mental health outcomes for Black college students.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that real-time assessments can effectively capture the dynamics of substance use behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.