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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06463054 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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.