The University of Southern California (USC) was awarded a $184,540 Project Grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242), to conduct research aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness among individuals with serious mental illness. The key activities under this grant include:
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Identifying environmental features associated with activity engagement and social interaction through socio-spatial observations at four mental health clubhouses in Hawaii. The research will examine the relationships between observed behaviors and self-reported loneliness and social support.
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Visualizing spatial observation and social network data to refine a conceptual model linking engagement and social interaction, which will be used to co-identify potentially modifiable environmental features with the participating clubhouses.
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Conducting an environmental intervention co-design process in one clubhouse and implementing the resulting intervention, with feasibility data collected on the co-design process and intervention protocol.
This 4-year grant, awarded on Sep 11, 2024, will lay the foundation for the Principal Investigator's research career focused on using environmental design to foster social connection and reduce isolation among people with serious mental illness.
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