Exploring social feedback and risk-taking in adolescents with self-injury behaviors

Risk and Social Feedback in Adolescents With Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Observational University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT05981677

This study looks at how social feedback affects risk-taking in teenagers aged 15-18 who engage in self-injury behaviors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Trial IDNCT05981677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how social feedback influences risk-taking behaviors in adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). By utilizing the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), researchers will assess the decision-making processes of NSSI adolescents when faced with different social outcomes, such as rewards and punishments. The study aims to understand the interplay between affective states and risk-taking in this population, which has not been systematically examined before. Participants will include adolescents aged 15-18 who meet specific criteria related to NSSI behaviors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 15-18 who have engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors at least five times in the past year.

Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, or other significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the decision-making processes of adolescents with NSSI, potentially leading to improved therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of combining social feedback with risk-taking in NSSI adolescents is novel, related studies have shown that understanding decision-making processes can be beneficial in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 15-18 years
* right-handed
* normal or corrected normal visual acuity
* meet the proposed DSM-5 frequency criteria (e.g., ≥5 days of NSSI behaviors in the past year)

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, other
* psychiatric disorders, etc.
* high suicidal risk
* recent use of medications that can affect neural activity
* have received or are receiving Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) other treatment for emotional problems within the past 6 months
* have a contraindication to MRI scanning (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia or other conditions that make them inappropriate for MRI scanning)

Where this trial is running

Chengdu, Sichuan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nonsuicidal Self InjuryRisk-Taking
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.