Improving social connections for individuals with serious mental illness through environmental design
Official title: Designing belonging: Advancing science on environmental modifications to foster activity engagement and social connection among individuals with serious mental illness
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11054389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how improving community spaces for people with serious mental illness can help them feel less lonely and more connected, by seeing what activities and features in mental health Clubhouses in Hawaii encourage social interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $184,540 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH136343-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness who experience social isolation or loneliness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have serious mental illness or those who are already well-connected socially may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in community mental health environments can reduce loneliness and social isolation among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). By observing activity engagement and social interactions in mental health Clubhouses in Hawaii, the study aims to identify specific environmental features that promote social connection. The research will also explore the relationship between these environmental factors, self-reported loneliness, and social support. Ultimately, the goal is to co-design and test modifications to these environments that foster greater social engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with serious mental illness by reducing feelings of loneliness and improving social connections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental modifications can positively impact social interactions and mental health, suggesting a promising avenue for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agner, Joy — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Agner, Joy
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.