Understanding how friends help each other manage social anxiety
Official title: Examining emotion regulation processes in social anxiety from an interpersonal and observational perspective
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-10358963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how friends can help each other deal with social anxiety by talking about their feelings and supporting one another, and it's for pairs of friends who experience different levels of social anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $453,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH125289-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10358963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing social anxiety, particularly those who have friends willing to participate in the study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience social anxiety or who are not willing to engage in social interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ways in which friends interact to help each other cope with social anxiety. It focuses on the emotional regulation processes that occur during these interactions, such as how friends discuss their feelings and support one another. By studying 140 pairs of friends with varying levels of social anxiety, the research aims to identify specific behaviors that can alleviate symptoms of social anxiety in both individuals. Participants will engage in both laboratory settings and their daily lives to provide a comprehensive view of these dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing social anxiety through enhanced interpersonal support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interpersonal support can significantly impact mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Brett — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Peters, Brett
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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.