Reducing stigma to improve mental health care for young adults
Pathways to mental health care: Examining the longitudinal impact of stigma mechanisms on treatment engagement in emerging adults
This project aims to reduce mental-health stigma so 18–25-year-olds with depression or anxiety notice symptoms sooner and get into care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258901 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be followed over time as researchers track how different kinds of stigma affect whether young adults seek and stick with treatment for depression and anxiety. The team will collect surveys and interviews to measure stigma experiences, coping and resilience, and treatment use. They will test when stigma is strongest and which stigma-targeted supports help specific people most, offering extra help to those who struggle to cope. Results will be used to design more personalized ways to help young adults access and stay in care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are emerging adults aged 18–25 who have current or recent symptoms of depression or anxiety or who avoid care because of stigma.
Not a fit: People older than 25, those without depression or anxiety symptoms, or anyone needing immediate crisis or emergency care are unlikely to see direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help young adults face less stigma and get faster, more personalized treatment for depression and anxiety, reducing longer-term health risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous stigma-reduction programs have shown some benefit but often used one-size-fits-all methods, while tailoring interventions to specific stigma mechanisms and timing is a newer approach with early but promising evidence.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- University of Delaware — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earnshaw, Valerie Ann — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Earnshaw, Valerie Ann
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.