Understanding how sensory-seeking behavior relates to behavioral addictions in adolescents

Motivational control of sensory-seeking behavior and its relevance to behavioral addictions

NIH-funded research Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11055112

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 typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055112 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors or are at risk for behavioral addictions.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 12-20 or do not exhibit any sensory-seeking behaviors may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Newark, 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.
Conditions addictive disorderAffective Disorders
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.