Understanding how social disconnection affects suicide risk in older adults.
Official title: Multimodal assessment of social disconnection as a proximal risk for suicide ideation in late life.
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11128041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely or rejected might affect thoughts about suicide in older adults, and it aims to understand how social connections and emotions change over time to help identify those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $701,099 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH133713-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing feelings of social disconnection or isolation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not experience social disconnection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social disconnection and suicidal thoughts in older adults, focusing on how feelings of rejection may influence this connection. By using a detailed assessment over a year, the study aims to identify specific factors that predict suicidal ideation related to social isolation. Participants will be monitored to understand how their social interactions and emotional responses evolve over time, providing insights into the dynamics of suicide risk in late life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and intervention strategies for preventing suicide in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong link between social disconnection and suicide risk, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cain, Nicole M — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Cain, Nicole M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
How loneliness and feeling cut off relate to suicidal thoughts in older adults
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-
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This study is looking at why young women who love other women might think about suicide more than their straight friends, and it wants to find out how having strong friendships and a positive sense of self can help keep them safe, especially during big life changes like starting high school or college.
-
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This study is looking at what helps or hinders young people in rural areas, aged 14 to 18, who have had thoughts about suicide, so we can better understand how to support them and prevent these feelings from sticking around.
-
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This study is looking at how things in your neighborhood might influence young people's thoughts about suicide, and it aims to find ways to make communities safer for kids and teens.
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.