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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Montgomery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montgomery, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $508,516 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD119728-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.