Grant Funding Pilot Study on Sleep, Suicide, and Substance Use

In an effort to advance mental health research, Dr. Maria Wong, professor of experimental psychology, has received a grant from the Center for Translational Research and Innovation (MW CTR-IN) for a project titled "Identifying Momentary Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Emerging Adults: A Pilot Study." 

The grant, supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), marks a pivotal step towards understanding and addressing the complex interplay between sleep disturbances, substance use, and suicidal behaviors among young adults aged 18 to 25.

The pilot study, spearheaded by Dr. Wong, the pilot study principle investigator, and Dr. Pearson, the research consortium principle investigator, and colleagues from across ten campuses in the mountain west region who call themselves the Addiction Research Team (ART), will lay the groundwork for a larger-scale study of approximately 2000 subjects over a two-year period. Idaho State students will have the opportunity to participate in the research process. 

"We are thrilled to receive this funding approval from NIGMS, as it underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges among emerging adults," says Dr. Wong, "This pilot study holds immense promise in shedding light on the intricate relationship between sleep patterns, substance use, and suicidal behaviors."

The study comes at a critical juncture, with recent data highlighting the alarming prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-24 in 2020. Moreover, emerging adults between 18 to 25 exhibited the highest prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Dr. Wong anticipates that the study will lead to applicable strategies for practitioners working on prevention and intervention programs.

"Given the prevalence of substance use and suicidal behaviors among young adults, our aim is to shed light on these critical issues,” Dr. Wong says. “We believe our research will offer practical implications for supporting young adults grappling with substance use and suicidal thoughts."

This project is supported by an award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health under grant number U54 GM104944. Visit links below for more information.

National Library of Medicine | Link to Parent Grant