Understanding how negative experiences affect motivation and behavior
Official title: Dopaminergic regulation of aversion-motivated behaviors
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-10992593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences, like stress, affect motivation and choices in people dealing with substance use issues, and it aims to understand how brain chemicals influence the urge to seek drugs after such experiences, with hopes of finding ways to help reduce relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2023 |
| Project end | August 27, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $33,094 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA058523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with substance use disorders or mood disorders exacerbated by negative experiences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or mood disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how negative experiences, such as stress or aversive stimuli, influence motivation and decision-making, particularly in individuals with substance use disorders. By examining the role of dopamine in the brain's nucleus accumbens, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that lead to increased drug-seeking behavior following negative experiences. The research employs advanced techniques like optogenetics to manipulate dopamine release and observe its effects on behavior in animal models. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of negative experiences on motivation and relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help individuals with substance use disorders manage their cravings and reduce the risk of relapse triggered by negative experiences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of dopamine in motivation and behavior, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grafelman, Elaine — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Grafelman, Elaine
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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.