Helping mothers with PTSD to improve parenting and reduce child abuse

Treating Maternal PTSD to Enhance Parenting and Reduce Maltreatment Recidivism: Safe Mothers, Safe Children

NIH-funded research New York University · NIH-11109388

This study is looking at how helping moms with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can improve their parenting skills and make it less likely for their kids to be hurt, by giving them special training to manage their emotions and connect better with others.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109388 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to improve parenting skills and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment. It involves a two-arm randomized controlled trial where mothers with PTSD will receive specialized training aimed at enhancing their emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. The intervention combines techniques to treat PTSD and improve parenting practices, ultimately aiming to create safer environments for children. By targeting the root causes of parenting difficulties, the study seeks to break the cycle of trauma and abuse.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mothers aged 21 and older who have experienced PTSD and are at risk of child maltreatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or are not involved in parenting may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved parenting outcomes and reduced rates of child maltreatment among at-risk families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in treating PTSD in mothers to improve parenting outcomes, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.