Understanding how social support helps youth cope with childhood trauma
Official title: The Role of Social Supports in Mitigating the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Adolescent Psychopathology
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11046586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood affect the mental health of young people, especially those from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, and it aims to find out what kinds of support can help them cope better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $65,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R03MH136192-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046586 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced adverse childhood events, particularly those from racially diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood events or are outside the age range of 12-20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mental health of adolescents, particularly focusing on Black, Indigenous, and other Youth Of Color (BIYOC). It aims to identify the protective social supports that can help mitigate the negative effects of these experiences. By analyzing data collected from a diverse group of youth over several years, the study seeks to understand how these factors influence behavior and mental health outcomes. The findings could provide insights into culturally specific resilience mechanisms that support at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and support systems for adolescents who have experienced trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding social supports can significantly impact mental health outcomes, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Antonio Raymond — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Antonio Raymond
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.