Inducing Self-Dehumanization to Examine Oxytocin and Suicide Risk
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Mechanistic Self-Dehumanization Condition, Control Condition
In brief
The goal of this experiment is to further determine if self-dehumanization is a novel risk factor for suicide. This study will induce self-dehumanization using a novel experimental self-dehumanized future condition (i.e., a futuristic paradigm that likens the individual to a machine) and compare this group to a control group to analyze the pathway between higher perceptions of self-dehumanization, suicidal ideation, and changes in oxytocin concentrations. It is hypothesized that participants randomly assigned to the self-dehumanized mechanistic future condition will exhibit temporary increases in suicidal ideation (which will be thoroughly assessed, intervened upon following the induction) and decreases in oxytocin concentrations as compared to the control condition, which will not display significant changes. Further, we will explore if the magnitude of the oxytocin response will partially mediate the change in suicidal ideation.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT06710964
- Run by
- Florida State University
- People needed
- 50
- Starts
- 2026-10-01
- Expected to finish
- 2028-08-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-07-20
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Between the ages of 18 and 40
- Biological females will be screened to ensure that they have a regular menstrual cycle with a length of 26-30 days and will be scheduled according to their cycle (see Research Strategy for details).
- At least a moderate level of self-dehumanization (i.e., a sum score of 12 or greater out of a possible score of 28) and lifetime suicidal ideation
You may not qualify if…
- A phobia of needles (i.e., Trypanophobia)
- Any medical conditions precluding them from engaging in a 10-hour fast (consumption of water is allowed and encouraged)
- Life-threatening suicide risk which would result in taking appropriate steps to ensure safety of the individual (e.g., hospitalization)
- A psychosis-related diagnosis
Where it is running
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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