Understanding how friendships affect maltreated adolescents
Beneficial or Fostering Future struggles (B.F.F.s)? Characterizing the Role of Friends in the Developmental Trajectory of Maltreated Adolescent
This study looks at how friendships can affect teenagers who have been mistreated, exploring how their friendships are different from those of other teens and how these relationships can help or hurt their emotional and social growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10910032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of friendships in the development of adolescents who have experienced maltreatment. It aims to understand how these friendships differ from those of non-maltreated peers and how they can either help or hinder their emotional and social development. The study will analyze data from longitudinal studies and employ clinical trial methods to observe friendship dynamics among maltreated adolescents. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to identify potential pathways that could lead to better outcomes for these vulnerable youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced maltreatment.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced maltreatment or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how to foster healthier friendships that support the development of maltreated adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that friendships can significantly impact adolescent development, but this specific focus on maltreated youth is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of South Carolina at Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Michelle Patrice — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Brown, Michelle Patrice
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 below.