NIH-funded research R15 grant

Entrepreneurship and emotional well-being for adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers

Official title: Exploring the Impact of Entrepreneurship on Emotional Well-Being and Financial Stress in Individuals with Down Syndrome and their Caregivers

Funded at Auburn University at Montgomery · NIH-11360997 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project looks at how families starting small businesses with a family member who has Down syndrome might reduce money worries and improve mood for both the person with DS and their caregiver.

More Down Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAuburn University at Montgomery
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Montgomery, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$508,516
NIH project number1R15HD119728-01A1
Project IDNIH-11360997 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with Down syndrome and their primary caregivers who are involved in or considering family-based entrepreneurship.

Less likely to help

Individuals without DS or without a caregiver involved in family entrepreneurship may not directly benefit from this project.

What this research studies

Researchers will study 90 pairs of adults with Down syndrome and their primary caregivers, comparing those who are unemployed, those with non-entrepreneurial jobs, and those running an inclusive family business. They will collect numerical data on emotional well-being, financial stress, and coping strategies, and use statistical models to see if entrepreneurship buffers stress and boosts well-being. The study also includes focus groups so families can share challenges, benefits, and experiences of running an inclusive business. A mixed-methods approach will help build a fuller picture of how entrepreneurship impacts financial and emotional health in DS families.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform family-led employment approaches that improve mood and reduce financial stress for people with DS and their caregivers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests entrepreneurship can support financial stability, but this study will provide focused insights for Down syndrome families.

Where this research is happening

  • Auburn University at Montgomery
    Montgomery, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Richter, Jack — Auburn University at Montgomery
  • Study coordinator: Richter, Jack

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.