Understanding how social disconnection leads to thoughts of suicide in older adults
Official title: Pathways from social disconnection to suicidal ideation in later life
Funded at Trinity College Dublin · NIH-10758557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling lonely and disconnected can lead to thoughts of suicide in older adults, specifically those aged 50 and up in Ireland, and aims to find ways to help improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trinity College Dublin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dublin, Ireland) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $80,288 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH132123-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 years old or 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 among older adults. It aims to identify the pathways that connect feelings of loneliness and isolation to passive suicidal ideation, using data from a large study of adults aged 50 and older in Ireland. The study will explore various factors, including behavioral, psychological, and physiological influences, to better understand how these elements contribute to suicidal thoughts in this population. By analyzing these pathways, the research seeks to provide insights that could inform interventions to support mental health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions for older adults experiencing social disconnection and suicidal thoughts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established a connection between social disconnection and suicidal ideation, but this study aims to explore the specific pathways involved, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ward, Mark — Trinity College Dublin
- Study coordinator: Ward, Mark
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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.