Exploring how social threats and pain affect suicidal thoughts in adolescents
Official title: Moving beyond the Pain-Suicidality Link: An Investigation of Fluctuations in Social Threat and Neural Response to Social Threat in Momentary Pain and Proximal Risk for Suicidal Ideation in Adolescence
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11081759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling physical pain and facing social challenges can affect thoughts about suicide in teenagers, with the goal of finding ways to help those who might be struggling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,716 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132602-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 10 to 20 who experience physical pain and have fluctuating thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience physical pain or suicidal thoughts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between physical pain and suicidal thoughts in adolescents, focusing on how social threats can influence these feelings. By examining fluctuations in social threat and neural responses to pain, the study aims to understand the complex interplay of factors that contribute to suicidal ideation. The approach includes longitudinal assessments to capture changes over time, providing insights into how these elements interact on a moment-to-moment basis. This research seeks to identify immediate risk factors for suicidal thoughts, which can help in developing targeted interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for suicidal ideation in adolescents, particularly those experiencing physical pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a significant link between physical pain and suicidal ideation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oppenheimer, Caroline — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Oppenheimer, Caroline
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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.