Understanding how sensory-seeking behavior relates to behavioral addictions in adolescents
Official title: Motivational control of sensory-seeking behavior and its relevance to behavioral addictions
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11055112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how teenagers who love seeking out exciting sensory experiences, like sounds and lights, might be connected to behavioral addictions, using mice to understand what drives this behavior and how it can help or hurt them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03MH136615-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors or are at risk for behavioral addictions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12-20 or do not exhibit any sensory-seeking behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory-seeking behavior, which is when individuals actively seek out sensory experiences like sounds or lights, may relate to behavioral addictions in adolescents. Using a mouse model, the study aims to explore how different environmental and internal factors influence this behavior. By examining the motivations behind sensory-seeking actions, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that could contribute to both healthy exploration and maladaptive behaviors. The findings could provide insights into how these behaviors develop and how they might be addressed in young people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for behavioral addictions in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown that understanding sensory-seeking behavior can provide valuable insights into behavioral health.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiflett, Michael William — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Shiflett, Michael William
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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.