Understanding how body awareness affects suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Official title: Interoception as a Novel Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10926826 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being aware of our body's feelings might affect suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers, and it aims to help find ways to prevent these issues by involving 80 adolescents in real-time assessments of their experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,139 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH132231-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10926826 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the adolescent age range or who do not have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of interoception, or the awareness of internal bodily states, as a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents. By examining how disrupted interoceptive processes may contribute to these thoughts and behaviors, the study aims to uncover developmental mechanisms that could inform prevention strategies. Eighty adolescents will participate in assessments that include psychophysiological measurements and ecological momentary assessments to gather real-time data on their experiences. The goal is to better understand the link between body awareness and suicidal ideation, particularly during the critical developmental period of adolescence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While the focus on interoception as a risk factor for suicide is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that understanding bodily awareness can inform mental health interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reid-Russell, Azure — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Reid-Russell, Azure
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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.