Helping parents support children at risk of suicide
Official title: Helping Guardians Navigate Youth Suicide Risk: Development and Piloting of a Brief Digital Intervention
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11037480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful digital tool for parents of young kids to better respond when their child might be at risk for suicide, by teaching them how to manage emotions and support their child effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,627 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH138716-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents or guardians of children aged 0-11 who may be at risk for suicide or exhibit concerning behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not parents or guardians of children within the specified age range may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital intervention to assist parents of young children, particularly those aged 0-11, in responding to alerts about potential suicide risks identified through digital monitoring apps. The intervention aims to enhance parents' skills in emotion regulation and validation, enabling them to effectively support their children when alerted to concerning behaviors. By utilizing advancements in artificial intelligence, the project seeks to improve the detection of at-risk behaviors and provide timely support to families. The intervention will be tested to ensure it meets the needs of parents and effectively reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in their children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower parents with the tools and knowledge to better support their children at risk of suicide, potentially reducing the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital interventions and AI for mental health support, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fox, Kathryn — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Fox, Kathryn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
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Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
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INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
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A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
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.