Helping older adults with hoarding disorder change their behavior
Official title: Motivational Interviewing to Enhance Behavioral Change in Older Adults with Hoarding Disorder
Funded at Mississippi State University · NIH-10436587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help older adults with hoarding disorder by using a friendly conversation technique that encourages them to discover their own reasons for wanting to change, making it easier for them to safely sort and get rid of clutter in their homes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mississippi State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mississippi State, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $427,415 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH127565-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10436587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who struggle with hoarding disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hoarding disorder or are younger than 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on older adults suffering from hoarding disorder, a condition that can lead to dangerous living situations due to excessive clutter. The study aims to enhance behavioral change through motivational interviewing, a technique that encourages individuals to find their own reasons for change. By addressing the unique cognitive and behavioral challenges faced by older adults, the research seeks to improve their ability to sort and discard items safely. The approach is designed to be more effective than traditional methods that may not resonate with this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer living environments and improved quality of life for older adults with hoarding disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that motivational interviewing can effectively enhance behavioral change in older adults for various health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating hoarding disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dozier, Mary Elizabeth — Mississippi State University
- Study coordinator: Dozier, Mary Elizabeth
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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.