Understanding the factors that lead to risky health behaviors in young people.

Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Predictors of Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11166552

This study is looking at how things like brain development and life experiences, such as family support or tough situations, affect risky behaviors like substance use in teens and young adults over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166552 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors influence health risk behaviors, such as substance use, in adolescents and young adults. By conducting longitudinal analyses, the study aims to measure brain development and its relationship to these behaviors over time. It will explore how factors like poverty, abuse, and social support impact the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Participants will undergo assessments that track their brain function and psychosocial experiences as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for engaging in health risk behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or who do not exhibit any risk factors for health risk behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for addiction and risky behaviors in young people.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the neurobehavioral mechanisms of risk-taking in adolescents, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Blacksburg, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.