Understanding how early life trauma affects risky decisions in adolescents
Official title: Revealing activity signatures of early life adversity in the basolateral amygdala driving risky decision making
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11068798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood can affect how teenagers and adults make decisions, especially when it comes to taking risks, and aims to find ways to help reduce those risky behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 21, 2025 |
| Project end | January 20, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA063524-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who have experienced trauma or adversity in their early life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or who are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how traumatic experiences in early life influence decision-making behaviors in adolescents and adults. By focusing on the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in risk assessment, the study aims to uncover how early life adversity alters brain function and increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and dangerous activities. The research employs advanced techniques to manipulate and observe brain activity during decision-making tasks, providing insights into the neural mechanisms at play. Ultimately, this work seeks to identify potential interventions to mitigate these harmful behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce risky behaviors in adolescents who have experienced early life adversity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neural mechanisms of decision-making can lead to effective interventions, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cody, Caitlyn Rose — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Cody, Caitlyn Rose
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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.