Helping parents support brain development in toddlers born preterm
A Randomized Control Trial of a Responsive Parenting Intervention to Support Healthy Brain Development and Self-regulation in Toddlers Born Preterm
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 ID | NIH-10874594 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents of toddlers aged 0-11 years who were born very preterm (less than 32 weeks gestation).
Not a fit: Patients who are not parents of toddlers born preterm or those whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Houston, United States
- 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
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 below.