Understanding how emotions affect decision-making in adolescents who self-injure
Official title: Effects of Emotional Reactivity on Decision-Making in Adolescents With Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Run by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT05981612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how emotions affect decision-making in teenagers who hurt themselves and compares it to their peers who don’t, to better understand why they might make harmful choices.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 6, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 11, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05981612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 15-18 who have engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors at least five times in the past year.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high suicidal risk or those diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the role of emotional reactivity and prediction errors in dysfunctional decision-making among adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The researchers aim to compare these decision-making processes in adolescents with NSSI to those in matched healthy controls. By examining how reward-related expectations and emotional responses influence social decisions, the study seeks to uncover underlying mechanisms that contribute to NSSI behaviors. Participants will be assessed based on their emotional responses to unfair experiences, providing insights into the cognitive and emotional factors at play.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and interventions for adolescents struggling with self-injury behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the importance of emotional and decision-making processes in understanding NSSI behaviors.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Chengdu, Sichuan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benjamin Becker
- Email: ben_becker@gmx.de
- Phone: +86.028-61830867
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Blended ERITA for Teens Who Self-Injure
A blended, youth-focused therapy test combines in-person sessions with digital tools to help teens who have recently self-injured see if this approach improves emotion regulation and daily functioning.
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Internet-delivered Emotion Regulation Therapy for Adolescents with NSSI
This trial tests whether a flexible, internet-based therapy for teens who self-injure can be more effective than standard online treatment for reducing nonsuicidal self-injury symptoms.
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Digital tool for teens to help stop NSSI
A small study will test a teen-focused app that delivers a guided digital program to see if it’s feasible for teens 14–18 who currently hurt themselves but aren’t in therapy.
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Assessing mental health disorders in Hong Kong using a new recall method
This study is testing a new way to help people in Hong Kong remember important life events to see how many have experienced major depression and thoughts of suicide.
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Exploring social feedback and risk-taking in adolescents with self-injury behaviors
This study looks at how social feedback affects risk-taking in teenagers aged 15-18 who engage in self-injury behaviors.
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Examining pain empathy in adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury
This study is trying to see how the brains of teens who hurt themselves on purpose respond to feelings of pain in others compared to teens who don’t, to better understand their emotional challenges.
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.