Exploring how stress in fathers affects their children's mental health

Understanding cellular and molecular legacies of paternal stress

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · NIH-10694000

This study looks at how stress in fathers might affect their children's mental health by changing the information in their sperm, and it uses mice to explore how these changes can impact the brain, hoping to find ways to help families deal with these effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10694000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of paternal stress on the mental health of offspring, focusing on how stress-induced changes in sperm RNA can influence neurobiology. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms through which stress in fathers can lead to mental health issues in their children. The study will examine specific cellular responses in the brain that may be altered due to these paternal stress legacies. This research could provide insights into potential interventions to mitigate these effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents whose fathers have experienced significant stress or trauma.

Not a fit: Patients whose fathers have not experienced stress or trauma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving mental health outcomes in children affected by paternal stress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that stress can have intergenerational effects, but this specific focus on paternal stress and its molecular mechanisms is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.