Understanding how mental health symptoms develop through decision-making processes

CRCNS: Computational Foundations for Externalizing/Internalizing Psychopathology

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-10898888

This study is looking at how kids and teens develop feelings like anxiety or act out in aggressive ways, by examining their decision-making habits during fun tasks, to help improve how we understand and treat these mental health challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10898888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the underlying processes that lead to mental health symptoms, focusing on two main categories: internalizing symptoms like anxiety and externalizing symptoms such as aggression. By using computational modeling, the study aims to analyze how these symptoms develop in relation to decision-making behaviors observed in children and adolescents. Participants will engage in tasks that reveal their choice behavior, helping researchers identify patterns linked to these mental health issues. The goal is to provide insights that could improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for various age groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include children and adolescents aged 0-20 who exhibit symptoms of anxiety or aggression.

Not a fit: Patients with stable mental health and no symptoms of internalizing or externalizing disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of mental health conditions in children and adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in computational psychiatry has shown promise in understanding internalizing symptoms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for externalizing symptoms as well.

Where this research is happening

Princeton, 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 2026-06-13 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.