Identifying social media behaviors that help early teens connect and feel less stressed
Official title: Identifying social media behaviors that generate social connections and mitigate distress in early adolescence
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11443421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how 12–14 year olds use social media to form friendships and cope with stress, with findings that could guide healthier online experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | August 19, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH145224-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are early adolescents (approximately ages 12–14) who are exploring social media in everyday life.
✕Less likely to help
Teens who do not use social media or who do not engage with online social networks may derive less direct benefit.
What this research studies
Early adolescence is a time when teens are especially sensitive to social cues and peer relationships. The project explores how kids interact with social media to build connections and manage stress, using observations and possibly youth participants to understand behaviors that promote well‑being. The goal is to identify positive online actions that support resilience during a pivotal developmental window. Results could inform tools, guidelines, or resources that help families and schools foster healthier digital engagement for teens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to safer social media practices and resources that strengthen teen mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed outcomes; this project builds on emerging evidence that positive online behaviors can support well-being.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgado, Mauricio R. — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Delgado, Mauricio R.
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.