Understanding how motivation affects behavior in mental health disorders

Assessment of approach-avoidance motivation in neuropsychiatric disorders

NIH-funded research Georgia State University · NIH-10898839

This study is looking at how people with anxiety and depression react to things that feel threatening or rewarding, using fun and easy tasks to help us learn more about their behavior and feelings.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898839 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how approach-avoidance motivation influences behavior in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. By developing and optimizing behavioral tasks, the study aims to assess how people respond to threats and rewards, particularly in relation to conditions like anxiety and depression. Participants will engage in user-friendly tasks designed to measure their behavioral responses, providing valuable insights into their psychosocial functioning. The research seeks to establish reliable and valid measures that can be used in clinical settings to better understand these disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other related mental health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using approach-avoidance paradigms to assess behavioral responses in mental health, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.