Understanding racial differences in feelings of paranoia
Official title: Racial Disparities in the Expression of Paranoia
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-10998729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being part of different racial and cultural groups, especially for Black and White Americans, can affect feelings of paranoia, and it aims to understand how experiences like discrimination and a strong sense of racial identity play a role in this.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2024 |
| Project end | July 25, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH135692-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black and White adults over the age of 21 who have experienced varying levels of paranoia or discrimination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or White, or those under 21 years of age, may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how racial and cultural factors influence feelings of paranoia, particularly focusing on Black Americans compared to White Americans. It aims to identify both risk factors, such as experiences of discrimination, and resilience factors, like racial identity, that may affect these feelings. The study will use self-report surveys and experimental methods to explore the relationship between racial discrimination and paranoia, providing insights into the social and psychological dynamics at play. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to enhance understanding of mental health disparities among different racial groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions tailored to address the unique experiences of paranoia in Black Americans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on racial disparities in mental health, this study's specific focus on the causal relationship between racial discrimination and paranoia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolny, J Paige — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Wolny, J Paige
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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.