Understanding how friendships affect pain in young people
Official title: Risk, Resilience, and Recovery: A Longitudinal Mixed-Method Study Examining the Role of Peer Relationships in Pediatric Pain
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11163441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how friendships and social experiences affect kids aged 11-14 who have chronic pain, to see if better relationships can help them feel better and manage their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111882-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 11-14 who are experiencing acute pain and are at risk for developing chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 11-14 or those not experiencing acute pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of peer relationships on chronic pain in adolescents aged 11-14 who are at risk of developing long-term pain issues. By examining both negative aspects, such as social isolation and peer victimization, and positive factors like social support, the study aims to understand how these relationships influence pain persistence and recovery. The research will follow a cohort of 450 young individuals over time to identify patterns and effects of their social interactions on their pain experiences. Through a combination of surveys and daily assessments, the study seeks to provide insights into how improving peer relationships might help alleviate pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing chronic pain in adolescents by enhancing their social connections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between social factors and pain, but this specific approach focusing on peer relationships in adolescents is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fales, Jessica L — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Fales, Jessica L
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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.