Understanding how emotions and decision-making affect suicidal thoughts and behaviors

EMERGE: Ecological Momentary Evaluation of Responses to Gain/Loss and Emotions

NIH-funded research University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11015008

This study is looking at how feelings and decision-making are connected for people who have recently thought about suicide, to help understand what might lead to those thoughts and actions, and it’s designed for individuals who have just been treated in emergency rooms for these feelings.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hadley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11015008 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between emotional responses and decision-making in individuals at risk for suicide. By examining patients recently treated in emergency departments for suicidal thoughts, the study aims to identify immediate risk factors that contribute to suicidal behavior. Participants will engage in assessments that measure their emotional states and cognitive processes, helping researchers understand how these factors interact to influence suicidal thoughts and actions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recently experienced suicidal thoughts and have been treated in an emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and preventing suicidal behavior in at-risk individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding emotional and cognitive processes can improve interventions for individuals at risk for suicide, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Hadley, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.