Heart-2-Heart:
A Communication Research Study for Romantic Couples
A Communication Research Study for Romantic Couples
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh want to learn more about how dynamics in relationships between young adults can affect suicide risk.
Compensation Provided
Ages 18-35
Join with a romantic partner
Experienced Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Past 4 Months
Fast Facts
Pittsburgh Area
Study Background
While most theories of suicide emphasize the importance of relationship factors, suicide research has focused almost exclusively on the suicidal individual without considering the context of their relationships. Thus, the goal of this project is to identify interpersonal mechanisms within the romantic relationships of high-suicide-risk young adults that exacerbate and maintain suicide risk.
If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors within the past 4 months, you and your romantic partner may be eligible to join this research study. Further suicide research and enroll today!
If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors within the past 4 months, you and your romantic partner may be eligible to join this research study. Further suicide research and enroll today!
Study Background While most theories of suicide emphasize the importance of relationship factors, suicide research has focused almost exclusively on the suicidal individual without considering the context of their relationships. Thus, the goal of this project is to identify interpersonal mechanisms within the romantic relationships of high-suicide-risk young adults that exacerbate and maintain suicide risk. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors within the past 4 months, you and your romantic partner may be eligible to join this research study. Further suicide research and enroll today! |
Additional Information
We are interested in learning more about how communication with your romantic partner is related to your emotions and behavior in daily life, and how this may increase or decrease risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors over time.
You and your partner may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-35
- Partner is at least 18 years old
- Experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors within the past 4 months
- In a romantic relationship for at least 6 months
- See each other at least 4 times per week face-to-face
- Both partners are willing to participate in the study
- Proficient in English
- Inability to provide informed consent or complete the study procedures
- Current psychotic disorder or symptoms or manic episode
- Life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate treatment
- Major medical illnesses that affect cardiovascular functioning or personality changes (i.e. Parkinson's, seizure disorder)
- Acute suicide risk requiring immediate hospitalization (participation will be delayed until the patient is discharged and no longer at acute risk)
This study involves 4 assessments over the course of 1 year, and each assessment lasts up to 3 hours.
The first visit will be in-person at our office in Oakland and we will ask you and your romantic partner to complete questionnaires, interviews, and a video-taped discussion with your partner where we measure physiological responses using portable, stick-on monitors. We would ask you and your romantic partner to answer questions using a study provider phone for 14 days and to wear similar portable, stick-on monitors.
All other visits can be completed virtually and will include questionnaires and interviews.
The first visit will be in-person at our office in Oakland and we will ask you and your romantic partner to complete questionnaires, interviews, and a video-taped discussion with your partner where we measure physiological responses using portable, stick-on monitors. We would ask you and your romantic partner to answer questions using a study provider phone for 14 days and to wear similar portable, stick-on monitors.
All other visits can be completed virtually and will include questionnaires and interviews.
If you and your partner are eligible to participate, you will each be paid up to $825 for your participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.