How caregivers affect memory and arousal in toddlers

Caregiver influences on item-context memory and arousal in toddlers

NIH-funded research Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-10997094

This study looks at how caregivers help toddlers remember things and feel emotions, using cool technology to see how their interactions can boost memory and learning in young kids.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997094 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the presence and behavior of caregivers influence memory formation and emotional arousal in toddlers. By using advanced techniques such as eye-tracking and fMRI, the study aims to understand the role of caregivers in shaping early memories and cognitive development. The research focuses on toddlers, exploring how their interactions with caregivers can enhance their ability to remember contextual information. This work is led by experts in developmental neuroscience and neurobehavioral research, ensuring a thorough and insightful approach to the topic.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 0-4 years who are in regular contact with caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 years or those without regular caregiver interactions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing cognitive development in young children through caregiver interactions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that caregiver interactions significantly impact early cognitive development, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.

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.