Understanding youth suicide risk and prevention
Official title: Mentoring in Youth Suicide Research
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11053913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes young people aged 12 to 20 to have thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm, so we can find better ways to help those who are at risk of suicide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,369 |
| NIH project number | 1K24MH136418-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing self-injurious thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing suicidal thoughts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying the risk factors and mechanisms that contribute to self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in youth aged 12 to 20. By examining how and when these risks occur, the project aims to enhance preventive strategies for adolescents at high risk of suicide. The principal investigator, a clinical psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, will also mentor early career researchers in this critical area of mental health. The research employs patient-oriented methods to gather data and insights that can lead to improved interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention strategies for youth at risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for youth suicide, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Richard T — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Liu, Richard T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
-
Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
-
INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
-
A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
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.