How major life changes relate to suicide risk across adulthood
Aging, Major Life Transitions, and Suicide Risk
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11238067
This project looks at how big life changes—like losing a job, moving, getting sick, or losing a partner—relate to thinking about suicide, attempts, and suicide deaths in adults of different ages.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work combines two large, long-running U.S. surveys (Americans' Changing Lives and the Health and Retirement Study) to follow adults over many years and see how major life transitions connect to suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and deaths. Researchers will link survey responses with national death records and run statistical analyses to find patterns across ages, sexes, races/ethnicities, mental health history, and medical conditions. They will test transitions in relationships, health, work/school, and residence, and will examine neighborhood and social-context factors that might make people more or less vulnerable. Because the project uses existing, nationally representative datasets rather than recruiting new patients, its goal is to pinpoint when and for whom prevention and support could help most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults in the U.S.—especially those aged 25 and older and older adults (around 50+)—who have experienced major life changes such as bereavement, job loss, serious illness, or moving would be most relevant to these analyses.
Not a fit: People under age 25, non-U.S. residents, or individuals seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this secondary-data research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help target prevention programs and social supports to the people and moments when suicide risk is highest.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked life events and social factors to suicide risk, but merging these long-term national datasets for a life-course analysis is a newer and more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MEZUK, BRIANA — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: MEZUK, BRIANA
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 below.