Understanding why some adolescents continue to have thoughts of suicide.

Cognitive and Contextual Factors in Suicide Ideation Persistence in Adolescents

NIH-funded research Western Kentucky University · NIH-10730480

This study is looking at what helps or hinders young people in rural areas, aged 14 to 18, who have had thoughts about suicide, so we can better understand how to support them and prevent these feelings from sticking around.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWestern Kentucky University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bowling Green, United States)
Project IDNIH-10730480 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cognitive and contextual factors that contribute to the persistence of suicide ideation in adolescents, particularly focusing on rural youth. By conducting a 12-month longitudinal study with 225 non-clinical adolescents aged 14 to 18 who have experienced suicidal thoughts, the research aims to identify key factors such as socio-economic status, social support, and personal resilience. The study will analyze how these factors interact and influence the likelihood of ongoing suicidal thoughts, providing valuable insights into prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are rural adolescents aged 14 to 18 who have a history of suicidal thoughts.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of suicide ideation or are outside the age range of 14 to 18 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce the rates of suicide ideation among adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding cognitive and contextual factors can significantly improve suicide prevention strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Bowling Green, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.