Understanding how stigma affects mental health treatment in young adults

Pathways to mental health care: Examining the longitudinal impact of stigma mechanisms on treatment engagement in emerging adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · NIH-11037978

This study is looking at how feelings of shame or judgment can stop young adults aged 18-25 from getting help for depression and anxiety, and it aims to find ways to reduce that stigma so they can feel more comfortable seeking treatment and improving their well-being.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11037978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of stigma on treatment engagement for mental health issues among emerging adults aged 18-25. It aims to identify specific stigma mechanisms that hinder young people from seeking help for depression and anxiety, which are prevalent in this age group. By tailoring stigma-reduction interventions to address these mechanisms, the study seeks to improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being for this population. The research will involve longitudinal assessments to track changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are emerging adults aged 18-25 who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-25 or those not experiencing mental health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mental health interventions that encourage young adults to seek treatment for depression and anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that tailored stigma-reduction interventions can improve treatment engagement, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.