How Social Connections in Youth Affect Health and Aging
Social Relationship Qualities as Predictors of Health & Aging from Adolescence through Mid-Adulthood
This project explores how the quality of our relationships during teenage years might shape our physical health and aging process as we become adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how social relationships formed during adolescence, such as experiencing hostile conflicts or lacking supportive connections, might be linked to physical health and aging later in life. Researchers will use rich, long-term data collected over 25 years, including interviews and observations, to understand these connections. They aim to discover if factors like mental health or daily habits play a role in how early relationships affect our health as we age. The goal is to uncover the biological and environmental influences that explain these links.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research uses existing longitudinal data, so it is not recruiting new participants, but its findings are relevant to individuals from adolescence through mid-adulthood.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the long-term effects of social relationships on health may not find direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help young people build healthier social connections, potentially improving their long-term physical health and aging outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the general link between social factors and health is recognized, this project uses uniquely rich, long-term data to clarify specific mechanisms, making its approach novel in its depth.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Joseph Patrick — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Allen, Joseph Patrick
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.