Understanding how critical self-judgment affects mental health
Official title: Neural mechanism of critical self-judgment as a trans-diagnostic therapeutic target: a secondary data analysis study from the RDoC perspective
Funded at Cambridge Health Alliance · NIH-11046563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains react when we judge ourselves harshly, which can be a problem for many people dealing with mental health challenges, and it hopes to find ways to help those who struggle with negative thoughts about themselves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cambridge Health Alliance NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $69,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R03MH136402-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience issues related to self-judgment or those without psychological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms behind critical self-judgment, a common issue in various psychological disorders. By analyzing brain imaging and questionnaire data from previous studies involving mindfulness and compassion interventions, the project aims to understand how negative self-judgment influences brain areas related to self-awareness and emotional regulation. The study focuses on the connectivity between key brain regions, such as the amygdala and the inferior frontal gyrus, during self-critical and self-reassurance tasks. This approach could provide insights into how to better support individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of self-judgment and its impact on mental health, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Cambridge Health Alliance
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joss, Diane — Cambridge Health Alliance
- Study coordinator: Joss, Diane
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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.