Perceptions on loneliness, connectedness and environments (place) study

The National Institute of Mental Health awarded The Johns Hopkins University $149,766 on August 20, 2026, for a predoctoral fellowship under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242). The fellowship supports Ananya Bhaktaram in the Perceptions on Loneliness, Connectedness and Environments (PLACE) study, which investigates social and spatial factors influencing social connectedness and mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors and outcomes in people living with HIV and populations highly affected by HIV. Under the mentorship of Dr. Carl Latkin and complementary expert advisors, Bhaktaram will conduct mixed-methods research while developing competence in qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, geospatial analysis, advanced quantitative methods, research ethics, and professional skills necessary for independent research. The fellowship runs through March 31, 2029, with place of performance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Abstract

The proposed fellowship aims to prepare the applicant, ananya bhaktaram, for a career as a leading mixed methods researcher who examines the influence of social and spatial factors on social relationships and health. To develop the skillset necessary to become a leading expert, MS. Bhaktaram proposes to investigate social and spatial factors that influence social connectedness and mental health, substance use, and HIV- related behaviors and outcomes in people living with HIV (plwh) and populations highly affected by HIV (phah). MS. Bhaktaram will conduct the proposed research while engaging in individualized mentorship, by a team of complementary experts to target the following training objectives: 1) build competence in qualitative methodologies, and mixed methods approaches; 2) enhance expertise in theory-driven geospatial analysis; 3) advance expertise in advanced quantitative methods; 4) cultivate a strong foundation in research ethics; 5) engage in professional development opportunities to ensure success as an independent researcher. The proposed research is highly relevant for addressing mental health, substance use, and HIV comorbidities among plwh/phah. Loneliness and social isolation have comparable levels of risk to health and premature death as smoking and obesity. Social connectedness is an important comorbid risk factor for poor/worse HIV- related outcomes, as social connections can serve as protective factors by acting as sources of resource and instrumental support. Plwh/phah report higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. Gaining insight into the social and spatial factors that influence social connectedness will allow for better assessment of future intervention points to improve mental health, substance use, and HIV-related comorbidities. To address these gaps, the proposed research will use data collected by DR. Carl latkin's (sponsor) research team at the lighthouse to 1) assess associations between social connection, mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors and outcomes in plwh/phah; 2) explore social and spatial dynamics that characterize, facilitate, and hinder social connectedness among plwh/phah; 3) examine the relationship between spatial factors, social connectedness, HIV, and mental health related outcomes. Findings from this study will provide insight into the social and geographic factors that influence loneliness and social isolation to inform measurement and targeted strategies for preventive interventions, while offering conceptual insight that can improve the understanding of the distinct pathways of loneliness and social isolation. The proposed research aligns with goals 2 and 3 of the nimh's strategic plan by providing conceptual and contextual evidence to understand mental illness trajectories and enhance prevention strategies to improve mental health, substance use, and HIV comorbidities in plwh/phah.