Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional

Exploring how mothers' emotions affect suicide risk in children

Official title: Testing an Intergenerational Model of Suicide Risk in Mother-child Dyads

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06463054 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see if teaching mothers better ways to handle their emotions can help reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in their children.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2024
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2028
Study endsMarch 31, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT06463054 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include biological mothers with legal custody of children aged 9-11 who have a confirmed history of suicidal behavior.

Probably not a fit

Patients who may not benefit include those with major medical illnesses affecting emotional regulation or those who have received DBT in the past six months.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between mothers' emotional regulation and the transmission of suicide risk to their children, particularly focusing on mother-child dyads where the mother has a history of suicidal behavior. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment followed by four follow-up assessments over a year. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training or treatment as usual. The goal is to improve maternal emotional regulation, which may subsequently enhance the emotional development of children and reduce their risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective interventions to reduce suicide risk in children by improving maternal emotional regulation.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using DBT for improving emotional regulation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Biological mothers with legal custody of target child between 9-11
* Confirmed lifetime Biological mothers with legal custody of target child between 9-11
* Confirmed lifetime history of suicidal behavior for mothers of suicidal behavior for mothers

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any mothers and children with major medical illnesses that might be associated with organic personality changes or ER difficulties (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, seizure disorders)
* Cardiac nervous system abnormalities that would influence physiological readings
* Previous DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) in the last six months

Where it's running

  • University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Stephanie D Step, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Jennifer Wilson
  • Email: bresjl@upmc.edu
  • Phone: 412-952-7132

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.