Helping parents support brain development in toddlers born preterm
Official title: A Randomized Control Trial of a Responsive Parenting Intervention to Support Healthy Brain Development and Self-regulation in Toddlers Born Preterm
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10874594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special parenting program can help improve brain development and self-control in toddlers who were born very early, and it's designed for parents of these little ones to learn helpful ways to support their growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $646,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD100560-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents of toddlers aged 0-11 years who were born very preterm (less than 32 weeks gestation).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not parents of toddlers born preterm or those whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a parenting intervention can enhance brain development and self-regulation in toddlers who were born very preterm. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a responsive parenting program designed to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in these children. By focusing on parental responsiveness, the research seeks to address the neurological challenges faced by very preterm infants, who are at risk for developmental deficits and mental health issues. Participants will engage in a structured program that encourages effective parenting techniques to foster better developmental outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved brain development and emotional regulation in toddlers born preterm, potentially reducing the risk of later mental health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that parenting interventions can positively impact child development, suggesting that this approach may be effective for very preterm infants as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demaster, Dana Mckenna — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Demaster, Dana Mckenna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Randomized trial of a scalable parenting program to support brain pathways and socio-emotional development in preterm infants
A randomized trial will test a scalable parenting program started after hospital discharge to help preterm infants and their families support brain development and emotional health.
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Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
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Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
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Hope for Stronger Families: improving children's behavior by boosting family finances and parenting in Uganda
This project combines family savings and parenting support programs to help Ugandan families improve children's behavior and well-being.
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.