University of Notre Dame · PsychologyAdolescent Mental Health Innovations Lab
Kristin Valentino · Notre Dame, Indiana
Research Focus
Dr. Kristin Valentino's lab focuses on innovative approaches to reduce suicidal behaviors, especially among adolescents. The lab explores the use of noninvasive technologies, like transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) and smartphone apps, to provide effective mental health support. Through their research, they aim to target emotional dysregulation and social isolation - two key factors that contribute to suicide risk in young people.
suicide preventiontranscutaneous vagus nerve stimulationadolescent mental healthdigital interventionspeer support technology
Research Aims
4AIM 01Evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in reducing suicidal behaviors.
AIM 02Assess the impact of a peer-support smartphone app on social isolation among adolescents.
AIM 03Investigate the combined effects of tVNS and the smartphone app on mental health outcomes.
AIM 04Monitor real-time data to adjust treatment protocols during the intervention.
Skills the Lab Values
clinical trials designdata collection and analysisbehavioral intervention developmentmobile application usagepsychological assessment methods
Output against the department
Publications105bottom 28% of dept.213th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.8kbottom 28% of dept.213th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.