Understanding how social rewards and stress affect suicidal thoughts in LGBTQ+ youth
Official title: Social Reward Responsiveness and Interpersonal Stress as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in Sexual-and Gender-Minority Youth
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11066659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling less rewarded by social interactions and experiencing stress in relationships can lead to suicidal thoughts in young people aged 12 to 20 who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent these feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,420 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH137993-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who identify as part of the sexual and gender minority community and may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as sexual or gender minorities or who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social reward responsiveness and interpersonal stress as predictors of suicidal ideation in sexual and gender minority youth. It aims to identify how low responsiveness to social rewards, combined with experiences of interpersonal stress, contributes to suicidal thoughts among adolescents aged 12 to 20. By studying a large group of high-risk youth, the research seeks to uncover critical factors that may lead to effective interventions for preventing suicide in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce suicidal thoughts and improve mental health outcomes for sexual and gender minority youth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on social reward responsiveness in SGM youth is novel, previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for suicidal ideation in similar populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlton-Smith, Corinne — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Carlton-Smith, Corinne
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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.