Exploring how social connections affect new parents and their children's health.
Official title: Social connectedness in the transition to parenthood: Implications for parent and child health and well-being
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10742082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how becoming a parent for the first time affects new moms and dads' friendships and feelings of loneliness, and how these changes can impact their mental health and their baby's growth, with the goal of finding ways to help parents feel better and support their child's development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $457,210 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110652-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are first-time expectant parents, both mothers and fathers, who are navigating the transition to parenthood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not first-time parents or those who are not experiencing significant changes in their social connections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the transition to parenthood impacts social connections for new mothers and fathers, and how these changes can affect their mental health and the development of their children. The study will focus on first-time parents, examining their feelings of loneliness and social connectedness during this critical period. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to identify ways to improve caregiver well-being, which is essential for promoting positive outcomes in child development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support for new parents, ultimately benefiting child development and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on social connectedness during the transition to parenthood, related studies have shown that social support positively impacts mental health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson-Coffey, Katherine — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Nelson-Coffey, Katherine
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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.