Improving positivity skills in adolescents at risk for suicide
Skills to Enhance Positivity (STEP) for Adolescents at Risk for Suicide
This study is testing a new program called Skills to Enhance Positivity (STEP) to help teenagers who might be thinking about suicide by teaching them how to focus on positive experiences, with the hope that feeling more positive will reduce their thoughts and behaviors related to suicide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10683179 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing an intervention called Skills to Enhance Positivity (STEP) aimed at adolescents who are at risk for suicide. The approach is based on the Broaden and Build theory of positive affect, which emphasizes increasing awareness and attention to positive experiences. Through randomized controlled trials, the study aims to demonstrate that enhancing positive affect can reduce suicidal behaviors and ideation among participants. The intervention is designed to be more effective than traditional crisis interventions by addressing the underlying mechanisms of low positive affectivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents under 21 years old who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for suicide or do not experience low positive affectivity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicidal behaviors and improve mental health outcomes for adolescents at risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spirito, Anthony — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Spirito, Anthony
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 below.