Predicting when suicidal thoughts may spike in rural LGBTQ+ adults
Official title: Predicting acute and dynamic suicide risk in rural Americans
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11370874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at the University of Oregon is studying how and when suicidal thoughts and behaviors occur in rural sexual minority adults to help prevent crises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | May 8, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $155,265 |
| NIH project number | 5K08MD019314-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 18 years and older who identify as sexual minorities and live in rural areas.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not identify as sexual minorities or who live in urban settings may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand the quick-changing risks for suicidal thoughts and actions among rural sexual minority adults. Researchers will use mixed methods, starting with interviews to hear how people see their own risk patterns, followed by more data analysis to connect these patterns to real-world outcomes. The goal is to identify signals that predict when someone might be most at risk so clinicians and communities can intervene quickly. Findings could inform better, timely support for rural LGBTQIA+ individuals who face unique stressors and access barriers. Participants will be asked about experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to suicide in a respectful and confidential way.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier and more tailored prevention approaches for rural sexual minority adults at risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: Few prior studies have explored acute and dynamic suicide risk processes in rural sexual minority populations, making this relatively novel but grounded in the broader suicide prevention research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forrest, Lauren Nicole — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Forrest, Lauren Nicole
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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.