Understanding why gender affects mental health in adolescents
Official title: The psychological underpinnings of gender disparities in adolescent mental health
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11031960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different feelings and thoughts might affect mental health in teens aged 12 to 20, especially why girls seem to struggle more with anxiety and depression than boys, and it aims to help us understand these differences better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 12, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $19,225 |
| NIH project number | 5F32MH135634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20, including those who identify as cisgender and gender-diverse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychological factors that contribute to gender disparities in mental health among adolescents aged 12 to 20. It aims to explore how gender identity and various psychological variables influence mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. By analyzing a diverse group of adolescents, the study seeks to identify the underlying processes that lead to higher rates of mental health issues in girls compared to boys. The research will utilize a combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses to gather comprehensive data on these disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions tailored to address the specific needs of different genders during adolescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gender disparities in mental health, but this approach aims to provide a more nuanced perspective by incorporating diverse gender identities.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leshin, Rachel a — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Leshin, Rachel a
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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.