Exploring how mothers' emotions affect suicide risk in children
Testing an Intergenerational Model of Suicide Risk in Mother-child Dyads
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06463054 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include biological mothers with legal custody of children aged 9-11 who have a confirmed history of suicidal behavior.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using DBT for improving emotional regulation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.