Understanding how reward devaluation affects mental health
Reward Devaluation, Positive Valence System Disturbance, and Impairment
This study is looking at how feeling less motivated by rewards might affect people with depression, and it aims to find ways to help improve their treatment by understanding their responses to rewarding experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New School University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10527002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the theory of reward devaluation can predict psychological distress and functioning in individuals with varying levels of mental health symptoms. By examining how people with depression may avoid rewarding experiences, the study aims to identify underlying predictors that could guide more effective treatment interventions. Participants will engage in tasks designed to assess their responses to rewards over time, providing valuable insights into the relationship between reward systems and mental health. The findings could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for those experiencing depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing symptoms of depression or related psychological distress.
Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit any symptoms of psychopathology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments for depression by understanding how reward systems influence mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using reward devaluation theory to understand depression, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New School University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winer, E. Samuel — New School University
- Study coordinator: Winer, E. Samuel
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 below.