Mental health of adults born with biological traits different from common expectations
SMILE
This project follows adults born with biological traits that differ from common expectations to learn what kinds of mental health support and treatments help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11402923 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a long-term group of adults identified by certain immutable biological traits that differ from prevailing expectations and complete regular mental health surveys and symptom checks. The team collects information on depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, suicidal thoughts, and experiences of abuse or harm, and they use tools like phone-based apps and locally trained lay counselors to reach people in low-resource settings. Participants from different countries and cultures are included so the study can compare how culture, policy, and environment affect mental health and treatment preferences. The information will be used to design affordable, sustainable evidence-based mental health care that fits the needs and settings of these communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who were born with physical or biological traits that differ from common expectations and who may be experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance-related concerns are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, individuals without these specific biological traits, or anyone needing immediate, personalized clinical treatment (rather than participating in a long-term research cohort) may not receive direct benefit from joining this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to mental health treatments and delivery methods (like local counselors and mobile tools) that are specifically tailored to improve care and access for these populations.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot projects and programs using lay providers and mobile health tools have shown promise, but long-term, cross-cultural cohort work focused on these populations is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whetten, Kathryn — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Whetten, Kathryn
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.