Understanding how imagining the future affects suicidal thoughts in teens

Prospection in suicidal teens: Identifying a novel and malleable cognitive risk factor

['FUNDING_R15'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE · NIH-10580100

This study is looking at how well teenagers can picture specific future events and how that might connect to their thoughts about suicide, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce those thoughts over time.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R15']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10580100 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the ability of adolescents to imagine specific future events relates to their suicidal thoughts. By focusing on a cognitive risk factor known as prospection specificity, the study aims to identify how detailed and localized future thinking can influence suicidal ideation. The researchers will conduct longitudinal assessments to gather data over time, allowing for a better understanding of the relationship between future thinking and suicidal thoughts. This approach seeks to develop real-world strategies to help reduce suicidal ideation among teens.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who experience suicidal thoughts or ideation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience suicidal thoughts or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cognitive factors related to suicidal ideation, but this specific approach focusing on prospection specificity is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.