Impact of pandemic disruptions on adolescent brain and emotional health
Official title: Effects of pandemic-related disruption to social connectedness on the brain and emotional wellbeing in adolescents
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-11000248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed social connections and how that has affected the brain and emotions of young people aged 12 to 20, using surveys and brain scans to learn more about these changes over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH128959-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced changes in their social connections during the pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or who have not experienced significant social disruption during the pandemic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on social connections has affected the brain development and emotional wellbeing of adolescents aged 12 to 20. By analyzing data collected before and during the pandemic, the study aims to understand the neurobiological and social factors that influence how young people respond to changes in their social environment. Participants will undergo assessments that include surveys and brain imaging to explore these relationships over time. The findings could provide insights into the long-term effects of social isolation on youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for emotional and cognitive challenges faced by adolescents due to social disconnection.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the effects of social environments on adolescent development, making this approach both relevant and timely.
Where this research is happening
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Chun Chieh — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Fan, Chun Chieh
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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.