Understanding how adult women with schizophrenia feel about social connections as they age
Official title: Perceptions and Experiences of Adult Women Aging with the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in Relation to Social Connectedness
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11030931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is talking to adult women with schizophrenia to learn about their feelings of loneliness and how they connect with others, especially in places like hospitals or care facilities, so we can better understand their needs for social support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $250,200 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH139016-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and are currently living in institutional settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the experiences and perceptions of adult women who are aging with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, focusing on their social connectedness. The study aims to gather insights directly from these women about their feelings of isolation and the need for social engagement in institutional settings. Through interviews and qualitative analysis, the research seeks to understand how these women perceive their social interactions and the support they receive. By centering the voices of these individuals, the project aims to highlight their unique challenges and needs related to social connectedness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved social support systems and interventions for aging women with schizophrenia, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing social connectedness in vulnerable populations can lead to significant improvements in mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Veronica G — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Walker, Veronica G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
This project explores how being socially isolated may speed up health problems as people with schizophrenia age.
-
How Social Isolation Impacts Aging in People with Schizophrenia
This study looks at how social isolation affects aging and health in people with schizophrenia to see if loneliness and lack of social contact worsen medical problems as they grow older.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
A patient-friendly look at how being socially isolated might influence aging and health in people with schizophrenia.
-
The effect of social isolation on aging health in people with schizophrenia
This study explores how being socially isolated may speed up aging-related health problems in people with schizophrenia.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
This research looks at how being isolated socially might influence health and aging in people with schizophrenia.
-
How social isolation affects aging and health in people with schizophrenia
This project is tracking whether loneliness and lack of social contact are linked to earlier health problems in older adults living with schizophrenia.
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.