Understanding suicidal thoughts and self-harm risk in young Black children
A Developmental Approach to Testing Suicidal Phenotypes in Early Childhood in Black Youth
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11111431
This project looks at how feelings like not belonging, hopelessness, and family stress relate to suicidal thoughts and self-harm risk in Black children ages about 5 to 11.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111431 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your child joins, researchers will use kid-friendly interviews, questionnaires, and parent reports to measure feelings such as belonging, burdensomeness, hopelessness, and exposure to stress. They will adapt a well-known theory of suicide (the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory) to include family socialization and self-concept factors relevant to Black youth. The team will include children roughly 5–11 years old and compare which early signs predict suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Results are intended to point to clearer ways to screen for risk and shape family- and community-focused prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Black children about 5–11 years old and their caregivers who can attend study visits or take part in interviews and questionnaires.
Not a fit: This project is not for adults, older teens, or children outside the 5–11 age range, and it does not provide immediate crisis treatment for children in active suicidal crisis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify early warning signs and guide prevention approaches tailored to Black children to reduce suicidal behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has supported parts of this theory in adolescents and children around age 10, but adapting it specifically for younger Black children is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STEPP, STEPHANIE D — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: STEPP, STEPHANIE D
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 below.