# Geospatial and Ecological momentary assessment Technology and Activity Engagement for at-risk youth

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $261,471

## Abstract

Adolescence is associated with high risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). In recent years, racial
disparities in risk for STBs have become increasingly evident, with African American and other Black-identifying
adolescents (herein, Black) experiencing higher rates of suicidal behavior than any other racial group of youth
in the U.S. Thus, there is a need for culturally appropriate interventions that target risk factors for STBs among
a growing population of racially diverse youth. Anhedonia, defined as the loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable
or valued activities, is a core feature of depression and an independent risk factor for STBs in youth. Behavioral
Activation (BA) therapy is a cognitive behavioral intervention that directly targets anhedonia, by decreasing
avoidance and isolation behaviors, using positive reinforcement to increase engagement in valued activities and
the experience of reward. Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of BA for adolescents in the traditional
face-to-face psychotherapy format, and BA has shown promise in the few preliminary investigations that included
racially diverse youth. A key advantage of the BA model is that the focus on behavioral strategies is well suited
for adaptation to digital platforms that incorporate mobile sensing and can generate objective data on activity.
As the digital BA approach allows for real-time feedback to both users and providers on treatment goals and
behavioral targets, it offers a significant advantage over traditional face-to-face intervention. To date, no studies
have tested digital BA in a diverse study population that includes Black youth. The goal of this study, therefore,
is to tailor and test a health coach supported, digital BA intervention to target anhedonia in a diverse sample of
youth, using leading implementation science frameworks. The initial BA platform was developed by the
investigators to collect mobile accelerometer and geospatial activity data using smartphone technology that is
shared with a health coach or clinician to provide feedback and push BA intervention content via a smartphone
app. We will first use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to collect and analyze
qualitative data from focus groups with racially diverse adolescents, caregivers, providers, and administrators on
their perspectives of intervention needs and barriers and facilitators to BA intervention and implementation
strategies. Next, using human-centered design methods, we will iteratively develop and adapt the BA intervention
to the needs of racially diverse, at-risk adolescents. We will then conduct a pilot randomized trial comparing the
digitally delivered BA intervention to passive, smartphone-based activity monitoring alone. A group of 75
adolescents (35% Black), ages 12-18, with moderate depression and elevated anhedonia symptoms will be
recruited from the Signature R01. We will examine feasibility, acceptability, and impact on anhedonia ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10875392
- **Project number:** 5P50MH115838-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Richard Jonassaint
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $261,471
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-17 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10875392

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10875392, Geospatial and Ecological momentary assessment Technology and Activity Engagement for at-risk youth (5P50MH115838-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10875392. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*