FSoS assistant professor awarded University grant

Michael Curtis, assistant professor in Family Social Science, has been awarded a University of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry and Scholarship to delve more deeply into ways to reduce suicide among young Black men.  

His proposal, "A Real-Time Investigation of Suicidal Ideation Among Emerging Adult Black American Men at High Risk for Suicidality," was awarded a grant totaling $49,250.   

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people ages 18–30, and Black American men are dying by suicide at alarmingly high and increasing rates. Curtis believes this project is needed to build a clearer, more culturally grounded understanding of when and why suicidal thoughts intensify, so prevention can happen earlier, in ways that fit people’s lives. 

"This group is still underrepresented in suicide research, and the tools we commonly use to assess risk often miss what suicidal distress can look like in real life for Black men," says Curtis.   

Curtis notes that because of stigma and social norms about discussing suicide, suicidal thoughts may be expressed indirectly (for example, through risky or self-harming behaviors) rather than openly asking for help. At the same time, many Black men face major barriers to mental health care—including racism in health systems, cultural mistrust, and limited access—which means warning signs can be missed until a crisis occurs.   

Curtis' research over the past several years has focused on examining how suicide risk often grows out of lived social adversity that reshapes how people see and trust others, not just out of poorer mental health in isolation. He has had one paper published on this research, and two more are currently pending publication.  

"These works inspired my Grant-In-Aid project’s emphasis on capturing suicidal ideation as a dynamic, context-sensitive process," says Curtis. "I want to ascertain if we can build an early warning system and leverage real-time EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) plus passive smartphone sensing to predict the onset and escalation of suicidal ideation among emerging adult Black American men?"   

To accomplish this, Curtis is planning a comprehensive approach. His research will follow 300 Black American men ages 18–30 who are at elevated risk for depression and/or anxiety for one year. Participants will complete brief, secure online surveys every four months to track changes in suicidal thoughts, stressors (like discrimination, negative life events, and housing/food insecurity), and protective factors (like hope and social support).   

Research to deploy innovative methodology  

After the first survey, 75 participants reporting at least low levels of suicidal thoughts will also complete a 70-day “daily life” study using their smartphones: short check-ins a few times per day plus optional passive phone data (such as sleep/activity patterns) that can signal shifts in well-being—without requiring extra effort from participants.  

Curtis aims to use Ecological Momentary Assessment, a research method using electronic diaries, sensors, and apps for data collection. The method offers high accuracy and ecological validity and collects data on subjects' current experiences and behaviors in their natural environment, minimizing recall bias. Participants report feelings, activities, or symptoms via apps/devices multiple times a day that gives researchers the ability to see immediate links to context, stress, or medications.   

"By combining these data, I hope to identify different patterns of suicidal thoughts over time and what predicts moving into higher-risk periods," says Curtis. "Then we plan to test whether real-time smartphone signals can help detect “digital warning signs” of rising risk."  

Curtis' long-term goal is to create a tailored early warning system that can deliver timely, practical support—right when it’s needed most—for emerging adult Black American men.