How life stress affects substance misuse in Black and White youth

Life Stress Pathways and Resilience to Substance Misuse in Black and White Youth

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10863853

This study looks at how stress from things like money problems and discrimination affects substance use among Black and White young people, and it aims to find out what helps Black youth avoid using substances even when they face more stress.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10863853 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between life stressors and substance misuse among Black and White youth. It aims to understand how different types of stress, including socioeconomic disadvantage and discrimination, influence the likelihood of substance misuse in these populations. The study will explore the timing and trajectories of stress exposure, as well as the protective factors that may help Black youth resist substance misuse despite higher stress levels. By examining these dynamics, the research seeks to identify potential resilience-promoting factors that could inform prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include Black and White youth aged 0-20 who have experienced various life stressors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not fall within the age range of 0-20 or who have not experienced significant life stressors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and intervention strategies for substance misuse among youth, particularly in marginalized communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying outcomes in understanding the impact of life stress on substance misuse, but this specific focus on comparative resilience in Black and White youth is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.