Inducing Self-Dehumanization to Examine Oxytocin and Suicide Risk (NCT06710964) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Inducing Self-Dehumanization to Examine Oxytocin and Suicide Risk
United States50 participantsStarted 2026-10
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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
Exclusion Criteria:
* 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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Suicidal Ideation
Timeframe: Baseline and 1 hour later after the experimental induction
2
Change in Oxytocin Levels
Timeframe: Baseline and 1 hour later after the experimental induction