Investigating how social motivation affects suicidal thoughts in preteen girls exposed to childhood threats.

Peripubertal Social Motivation as a Novel Risk Factor Linking Childhood Threat Exposure and Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Preteen Girls.

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11239246

This study is looking at how social feelings and experiences can affect thoughts about suicide in preteen girls who have faced tough situations, like violence, to help find better ways to support those who might be struggling as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11239246 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between social motivation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in preteen girls who have experienced childhood adversities, such as interpersonal violence. The study aims to identify risk factors that precede biological responses to stressors during puberty. By refining assessments of social motivation and suicidal thoughts, the research will test whether maladaptive social motivation contributes to the emergence of suicidal thoughts in girls with advanced pubertal timing. This approach seeks to improve early identification and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preteen girls aged 9-12 who have experienced childhood adversities.

Not a fit: Patients who are boys or those outside the preteen age range may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and interventions for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in preteen girls.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on social motivation in preteen girls is novel, related research has shown success in identifying risk factors for suicidal thoughts in youth populations.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-10 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.