Investigating sluggish cognitive tempo and its link to mental health in adolescents

Longitudinal Examination of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Internalizing Psychopathology in Adolescence

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10976439

This study is looking at how sluggish cognitive tempo, which includes things like daydreaming and feeling mentally foggy, might be linked to anxiety and depression in teenagers, and it aims to see how these issues change over time with input from parents, teachers, and the teens themselves.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10976439 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), which includes symptoms like excessive daydreaming and mental fog, and its relationship with internalizing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression in adolescents. By using longitudinal methods, the study aims to track these symptoms over time and understand how SCT may predict the development of internalizing problems. Participants will be assessed through various reports from parents, teachers, and self-reports to gather comprehensive data on their cognitive and emotional health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who exhibit symptoms of sluggish cognitive tempo or internalizing psychopathology.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit symptoms of sluggish cognitive tempo or related mental health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for adolescents experiencing sluggish cognitive tempo and related mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: While SCT is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown promising associations between SCT and internalizing symptoms.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, 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 2026-06-13 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.