Understanding social cognition deficits in individuals at high risk for schizophrenia

Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Deficits in Naturalistic Visual and Auditory Social Cognition in Individuals at Clinical High-Risk for Schizophrenia

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10459498

This study is looking at how people who are at risk of developing schizophrenia understand social situations, like reading facial expressions or following conversations, by watching movie clips and listening to stories, to find ways to help them improve their social skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10459498 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals at clinical high-risk for developing schizophrenia experience deficits in social cognition, which affects their ability to understand social cues from visual and auditory stimuli. By using naturalistic stimuli like movie clips and spoken stories, the study aims to measure behavioral and neural responses to social interactions. The research will analyze eye movements and brain connectivity in specific regions associated with social cognition to better understand these deficits. The goal is to identify potential treatment avenues for improving social functioning in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals identified as being at clinical high-risk for developing schizophrenia, particularly those experiencing social cognition deficits.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at clinical high-risk for schizophrenia or those with established schizophrenia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals at high risk for schizophrenia, enhancing their social functioning and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding social cognition deficits in schizophrenia can lead to meaningful insights, but this specific approach using naturalistic stimuli is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.