Exploring how social reward learning affects enjoyment in social interactions for those experiencing early psychosis

Determining the role of social reward learning in social anhedonia in first-episode psychosis using motivational interviewing as a probe in a perturbation-based neuroimaging approach

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10954263

This study is looking at how people who have just had their first episode of psychosis learn from social experiences and why some find it hard to enjoy social interactions, with the hope of finding better ways to help them connect with others.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954263 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between social reward learning and social anhedonia, which is the reduced ability to enjoy social interactions, in individuals who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to social anhedonia by examining how individuals learn from social rewards. Participants will engage in specific tasks designed to assess their sensitivity to social rewards, providing insights that could lead to new treatment approaches for improving social functioning in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are within two years of their first psychotic episode and experience social anhedonia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience social anhedonia or are not within the specified timeframe of their first psychotic episode may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that enhance social functioning and quality of life for individuals with psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, related studies in affective neuroscience have shown promise in understanding social reward mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.