Helping adolescents living with HIV manage suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Official title: Suicide Assessment and Feasible Evidence-based Treatments for Youth Living with HIV: SAFETY Planning
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11099789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help teenagers living with HIV in Malawi who are feeling really down or having thoughts of hurting themselves by using a friendly counseling program called the Friendship Bench, where they can work with trained helpers to come up with personal plans to cope with tough feelings and stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $208,820 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH136204-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents living with HIV who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors among adolescents living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Malawi. It utilizes an evidence-based counseling intervention called the Friendship Bench, which is delivered by trained lay health workers. The study aims to enhance this intervention with a Safety Planning approach, where adolescents co-create coping strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and crises. By implementing these strategies, the research seeks to provide effective support for mental health challenges faced by these adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents living with HIV, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar community-based mental health interventions, making this approach promising for the target population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stockton, Melissa Ann — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Stockton, Melissa Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
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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.