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Perceptions on Loneliness, Connectedness and Environments (PLACE) Study

Award Number: F31MH143459
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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Perceptions on Loneliness, Connectedness and Environments (PLACE) Study - PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed fellowship aims to prepare the applicant, Ananya Bhaktaram, for a career as a leading mixed methods researcher who examines the influence of social and spatial factors on social relationships and health. To develop the skillset necessary to become a leading expert, Ms. Bhaktaram proposes to investigate social and spatial factors that influence social connectedness and mental health, substance use, and HIV- related behaviors and outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH) and populations highly affected by HIV (PHAH). Ms. Bhaktaram will conduct the proposed research while engaging in individualized mentorship, by a team of complementary experts to target the following training objectives: 1) Build competence in qualitative methodologies, and mixed methods approaches; 2) Enhance expertise in theory-driven geospatial analysis; 3) Advance expertise in advanced quantitative methods; 4) Cultivate a strong foundation in research ethics; 5) Engage in professional development opportunities to ensure success as an independent researcher. The proposed research is highly relevant for addressing mental health, substance use, and HIV comorbidities among PLWH/PHAH. Loneliness and social isolation have comparable levels of risk to health and premature death as smoking and obesity. Social connectedness is an important comorbid risk factor for poor/worse HIV- related outcomes, as social connections can serve as protective factors by acting as sources of resource and instrumental support. PLWH/PHAH report higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. Gaining insight into the social and spatial factors that influence social connectedness will allow for better assessment of future intervention points to improve mental health, substance use, and HIV-related comorbidities. To address these gaps, the proposed research will use data collected by Dr. Carl Latkin’s (Sponsor) research team at the Lighthouse to 1) Assess associations between social connection, mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors and outcomes in PLWH/PHAH; 2) Explore social and spatial dynamics that characterize, facilitate, and hinder social connectedness among PLWH/PHAH; 3) Examine the relationship between spatial factors, social connectedness, HIV, and mental health related outcomes. Findings from this study will provide insight into the social and geographic factors that influence loneliness and social isolation to inform measurement and targeted strategies for preventive interventions, while offering conceptual insight that can improve the understanding of the distinct pathways of loneliness and social isolation. The proposed research aligns with Goals 2 and 3 of the NIMH’s Strategic Plan by providing conceptual and contextual evidence to understand mental illness trajectories and enhance prevention strategies to improve mental health, substance use, and HIV comorbidities in PLWH/PHAH.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $50,114 )
2026	2026	THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY	3400 N CHARLES ST	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	1	3/26/2026	NEW	$576
2026	2026	THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY	3400 N CHARLES ST	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	1	2/20/2026	NEW	$49,538
2026	2026	THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY	3400 N CHARLES ST	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	002	1	3/26/2026	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $50,114

Grand Total All Awards = $50,114

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Perceptions on Loneliness, Connectedness and Environments (PLACE) Study

Award Number: F31MH143459

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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