Exploring how the brain represents social connections and loneliness
Using the Brain to Reveal Mental Representations of Subjective Connection
This study looks at how loneliness shows up in the brain to see if understanding it better can help people feel less lonely, even if they have social connections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 248 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04577911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate how loneliness is represented in the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms behind subjective isolation, even among individuals who maintain social relationships. Participants will reflect on their connections to others while undergoing fMRI scans to determine how these representations are organized in the brain and how loneliness affects them. The ultimate goal is to identify potential interventions to reduce feelings of loneliness based on these findings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who experience loneliness but are safe for MRI scanning and not taking psychiatric medication.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently taking psychiatric medication or are not safe for MRI scanning will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to novel interventions that effectively reduce loneliness and improve mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the neurobiological aspects of loneliness, but this specific approach using fMRI to understand subjective connections is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * safe for MRI scanning * not taking psychiatric medication Exclusion Criteria: * not safe for MRI scanning * taking psychiatric medication
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meghan Meyer, PhD — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Meghan L Meyer, PhD
- Email: mlm2378@columbia.edu
- Phone: 650-521-1701
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.