How social connections affect mental health in Black adults
Official title: The Impact of Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Social Connectedness on Mental Health in Black Adults
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11004644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having strong social connections can affect the mental health of Black adults in the U.S., especially in places like Milwaukee, and it hopes to find ways to support their well-being in the face of challenges like discrimination and poverty.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $554,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018502-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black adults aged 21 and older who reside in urban areas like Milwaukee and experience mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or those who do not reside in the targeted geographic area may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social connectedness and mental health outcomes among Black adults in the United States. It aims to understand how factors like community support and social networks can influence mental health, particularly in the context of challenges such as racial discrimination and poverty. The study will utilize both quantitative data from existing surveys and qualitative interviews to gather a comprehensive view of the experiences of Black adults in Milwaukee, WI. By identifying protective factors related to social connectedness, the research seeks to inform potential interventions to improve mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions tailored for Black adults, addressing significant health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social connectedness can positively impact mental health, but this specific focus on Black adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ransome, Yusuf — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ransome, Yusuf
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
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.