How wealth affects problem behaviors in adolescents

A Different Type of Economic Fragility: Wealth and Adolescent Problem Behavior

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11045676

This study looks at how having money or not having enough money affects the behavior and mental health of teenagers aged 13-15, and it aims to help families understand how their financial situation might influence their kids' well-being.

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-11045676 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of wealth and wealth deprivation on adolescent problem behaviors, focusing on a diverse group of families with youth aged 13-15. By measuring family wealth and income over time, the study aims to understand how these economic factors influence mental health and behavioral issues in adolescents. The research will involve multiple observations of the same individuals to capture changes and trends, providing a comprehensive view of the relationship between wealth and adolescent development. The findings could help identify critical pathways that link economic status to behavioral health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-15 from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, along with their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 13-15 or those not experiencing any behavioral problems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and policies that address the mental health needs of adolescents from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: While the focus on wealth in relation to adolescent problem behaviors is relatively novel, previous research has shown that economic factors significantly influence mental health outcomes.

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 2026-06-09 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.