How isolation and COVID-19 affected suicide risk in youth
Official title: Impacts of Social Isolation and COVID-19 Pandemic Factors on Suicide Risk among Youth
Funded at Appalachian State University · NIH-11406129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how social isolation during the COVID-19 era may influence suicide risk among people aged 21 and younger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Appalachian State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boone, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $137,988 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149432-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Youth and young adults who are 21 years old or younger and may be affected by social isolation during the pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not experiencing youth suicide risk or not exposed to pandemic-related isolation may see limited direct benefits.
What this research studies
The researchers will track how suicide risk among youth changes over the pandemic and examine how loneliness and lack of supportive relationships relate to that risk. They will use real-time crisis data to understand the trajectory of risk during different pandemic periods. The study will also explore whether social isolation changes the link between COVID-19 burden in a community and youth suicide risk, helping to identify key social factors that could be targeted for prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could inform youth-focused mental health interventions that address loneliness and social support during and after pandemics.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown links between social isolation and mental health in youth, but this project emphasizes real-time pandemic dynamics and social resources.
Where this research is happening
-
Appalachian State University
Boone, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thompson, Martie P — Appalachian State University
- Study coordinator: Thompson, Martie P
Related research
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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.