Helping fathers support their teens' reproductive health
Official title: Feasibility and acceptability of a father-based intervention to support adolescents reproductive health
Funded at Wellesley College · NIH-10904940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dads can talk to their teens about sexual health in a way that helps them make safer choices, and it will create an online program with lessons and support groups just for fathers and their kids to make these conversations easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wellesley College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wellesley, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109744-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are fathers of adolescents who are seeking to improve their communication about sexual health with their children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who may not benefit from this research include those without adolescent children or those who do not engage in discussions about sexual health.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fathers can effectively communicate with their adolescents about sexual health to reduce risky behaviors. It aims to create an online intervention that includes self-paced lessons and peer support groups specifically designed for fathers and their teens. By addressing barriers that fathers face in discussing these topics, the program seeks to enhance knowledge and self-efficacy regarding sexual health. The intervention will be evaluated for its acceptability and feasibility, with the goal of preparing for a larger trial in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower fathers to engage in meaningful conversations with their teens about sexual health, potentially reducing risky sexual behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that parent-based interventions can be effective, but this specific approach focusing on fathers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wellesley College
Wellesley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossman, Jennifer — Wellesley College
- Study coordinator: Grossman, Jennifer
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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.