ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Project SPARK
Project SPARK: Supporting
Preteens and Advancing Research Knowledge
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Principal Investigator: Kirsty A. Clark, PhD, MPH
Funder: National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH137695-01)
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The aim of this project is to collaborate closely with preteens (ages 9-12), their parents, and community leaders to shape future longitudinal research focused on sexual and gender diverse preteens at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We will establish a prospective cohort of at-risk preteens and their parents to evaluate factors of risk and resilience during this critical developmental phase.
Project SPIRiT
Project SPIRiT: Suicide Prediction In Real-Time
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Principal Investigator: Kirsty A. Clark, PhD, MPH
Funder: National Institute of Mental Health (K01 MH125073)
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LGBTQ+ young people are at increased risk for suicide. The overarching goal of this project is to conduct an intensive longitudinal smartphone study to examine the influence of stigma-related stressors (e.g., bullying, identity concealment) and universal suicide precursors (e.g., hopelessness) on suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) with histories of suicidal ideation. This project is being conducted in the local context of Tennessee, where LGBTQ+ young people face high exposure to stigma and associated mental health difficulties.
