Understanding how social isolation affects prairie voles
Breaking bonds in prairie voles
This study looks at how being alone or separated from a partner affects prairie voles, which are social animals, to see how it might relate to feelings of anxiety and depression, and it could help us understand how our own social connections influence mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of social isolation and partner separation on prairie voles, which are known for their social bonding behaviors. By examining how these experiences influence anxiety and depression-like behaviors, the study aims to uncover the role of oxytocin in social attachment and stress responses. The researchers will analyze changes in neurochemical systems and social behaviors in both male and female voles to better understand the biological mechanisms at play. This work could provide insights into how social relationships impact mental health and stress in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety or depression related to social isolation or relationship issues.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience social attachment issues or who have other unrelated mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how social connections influence mental health, potentially informing new treatments for anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social bonding and oxytocin play significant roles in emotional well-being, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in established findings.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kabbaj, Mohamed — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Kabbaj, Mohamed
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.