Understanding mental health in young sexual minority women.
Official title: Young Sexual Minority Women's Mental Health: Developmental Trajectories, Mechanisms of Risk, and Protective Factors.
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11085265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the mental health struggles of young women who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on issues like anxiety and depression, to help find better ways to support them over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 2, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,546 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132692-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young sexual minority women aged 16 to 26 who may be experiencing mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as sexual minority women or are outside the age range of 16 to 26 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental health challenges faced by young sexual minority women, focusing on anxiety, depression, and suicidality. It involves a longitudinal approach, collecting data over several years from a diverse group of participants aged 16 to 26. The study aims to identify patterns in mental health trajectories and examine the impact of stigma and other risk factors on their well-being. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to inform better prevention and treatment strategies tailored to this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions specifically designed for young sexual minority women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted significant mental health disparities among sexual minority women, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitton, Sarah W — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Whitton, Sarah W
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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.