Understanding what increases or protects against suicidal thoughts in LGBTQ+ preteens
Measuring and Mapping Trajectories of Risk and Resilience for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Sexual Minority Preteens
We will follow LGBTQ+ preteens and their families over time to learn what makes suicidal thoughts more or less likely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11367893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your child would work with youth and parent advisory boards to help shape the project so it is respectful and useful. Experts will create new survey and interview measures using a five-step Delphi process, and the study will enroll sexual minority preteens and their caregivers for repeated surveys, interviews, and other measures over several years. The team will use multiple methods and follow kids through the preteen to early-teen years to map how risk and resilience change over time. Results are meant to point to supports and stressors that matter most during this sensitive developmental period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sexual minority preteens (around ages 11–13) who have begun to identify as LGBTQ+ and their caregivers willing to take part in surveys and follow-up.
Not a fit: This project may not directly help older teens or adults, children who are not sexual minorities, or anyone needing immediate crisis intervention instead of research participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help parents, schools, and clinicians spot early warning signs and strengthen supports to lower suicide risk among LGBTQ+ preteens.
How similar studies have performed: Similar longitudinal and community-engaged approaches have identified risk factors in older LGBTQ+ youth, but focused work specifically on preteens is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Kirsty a — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Clark, Kirsty a
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.