Understanding suicide risk in young adult couples
Official title: Testing a Dyadic Model of Proximal Suicide Risk in Young Adult Romantic Couples
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11001503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way young couples interact during conflicts can affect the risk of suicide, especially for those with borderline personality disorder, and it involves couples where one partner has recently had thoughts of suicide to find ways to help keep them safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,201 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132071-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are young adult couples aged 18-35, where at least one partner has a history of suicide-related events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a romantic partner or those outside the age range of 18-35 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how relationship dynamics in young adult romantic couples can influence suicide risk, particularly focusing on individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). By examining emotional responses and communication patterns during conflicts, the study aims to identify factors that may increase the likelihood of suicide-related events. The research will involve 168 couples, where at least one partner has experienced recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors, to better understand the interplay between their relationships and mental health. Through this approach, the study seeks to develop targeted interventions to reduce suicide risk in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing suicide among young adults by addressing relationship factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the importance of relationship factors in suicide risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.