Understanding repetitive negative thinking after trauma to help veterans
Official title: Establishing a multidimensional neurocognitive framework for repetitive negative thinking after traumatic stress
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11404232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA-led project will study how intrusive thoughts, rumination, and worry unfold in daily life after trauma and how brain activity relates to these moments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD002519-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with trauma exposure who experience repetitive negative thinking such as intrusive memories, rumination, or worry.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant RNT or trauma exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on veterans who have experienced trauma and experience repetitive negative thinking (RNT). Researchers will combine real-world mobile assessments of thinking and mood with brain imaging to uncover when RNT tends to flare and what brain patterns accompany it. By studying RNT across different intrusive thoughts and biobehavioral signals, the study aims to identify practical targets for intervention that could be used in daily life. The work plans to link daily symptoms with brain function to guide future personalized treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to targeted interventions that reduce daily distress and improve recovery for veterans with PTSD and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that linking brain activity with real-world symptoms can reveal actionable targets for interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bomyea, Jessica — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Bomyea, Jessica
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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.