Understanding how brain dynamics affect resilience to social stress
Official title: Cell-type and whole-brain dynamics underlying operant social stress resiliency
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10848242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help people with major depressive disorder handle social stress better, and it aims to find ways to improve how these brain areas work so that patients can cope with social situations more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing major depressive disorder or related affective disorders, particularly those who struggle with social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mood disorders or who are not affected by social stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that contribute to resilience against social stress, particularly in the context of major depressive disorder (MDD). By focusing on the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region involved in reward and motivation, the project aims to identify specific neural populations that influence social decision-making and coping strategies. The approach combines behavioral assessments with advanced computational and anatomical techniques to explore how these brain circuits function under stress. Patients may benefit from insights into how their brain's response to social situations can be improved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing resilience to social stress in individuals with mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to stress and resilience, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Navarrete, Jovana — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Navarrete, Jovana
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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.