How social interactions affect brain development and cognitive abilities in adolescents
Official title: Impact of social environment on cognitive development and thalamocortical maturation
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10902956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how spending too much time alone can affect the thinking skills of teenagers, especially focusing on how it impacts their brains, and it aims to help us understand why some teens might struggle more than others, including differences between boys and girls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH136812-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing social withdrawal or related cognitive challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or do not exhibit social withdrawal may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of social interactions in the cognitive development of adolescents, focusing on how social withdrawal can lead to cognitive impairments. It examines the effects of adolescent social isolation on brain activity and connectivity, particularly in the thalamus and prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for cognitive flexibility. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind variations in cognitive outcomes among adolescents who experience social isolation, with a particular emphasis on differences between genders. By using animal models, the research seeks to uncover how environmental factors influence brain maturation during this critical developmental period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive impairments associated with social withdrawal in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social interactions significantly influence cognitive development, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bravo, Isabel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bravo, Isabel
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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.