How social media and stress affect suicidal thoughts in teens

Interpersonal Stress, Social Media, and Risk for Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10929531

This study is looking at how stress from relationships and social media use can affect the thoughts and feelings of teenagers aged 14-17, especially those who might be at risk for suicide, to find ways to better support their mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10929531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between interpersonal stress, social media use, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents aged 14-17. By analyzing real-time interactions on social media, the study aims to identify the types and severity of stress that may contribute to these thoughts and behaviors. The project will involve 300 adolescents, with a focus on those at high risk for suicide, to better understand the biological and social factors that influence their mental health. The findings could help in developing targeted interventions for at-risk youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 14-17, particularly those who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the past three months.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 14 or older than 17, or those without any history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for adolescent suicide by identifying critical risk factors associated with social media use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a link between social media use and mental health issues in adolescents, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-13 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.