NIH R01 · 2024
Characterizing the neural mechanisms of social connection
Project Summary Social isolation is associated with a host of negative outcomes including increased rates of depression and early mortality. Critically, social isolation can lead to maladaptive choices such as substance use as a coping strategy for negative affect. Importantly, perceived connection with others can ameliorate adverse consequences of isolation, potentially mitigating maladaptive coping mechanisms (i.e., substance use). Indeed, close connections with others satisfy basic needs of belongingness and are associated with enhancing the reward value of social experiences as reflected in reward-related neural circuits. While evidence in rodents suggests that the potential for social…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.