How childhood adversity affects stress responses in adolescents
Official title: The Impact of Adversity on Neurobiological and Psychosocial Dimensions of the Stress Response System
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11062503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood affect how teenagers handle stress, helping us understand their feelings and reactions better so we can find ways to support their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,544 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH134136-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced significant childhood adversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced childhood adversity or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of childhood adversity impact the neurobiological and psychosocial aspects of stress responses in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By examining the physiological and emotional reactions to stress, the study aims to identify common mechanisms that contribute to mental health issues in those who have faced adversity. The approach includes assessing emotional reactivity, regulation, and flexibility in stress responses, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for adolescents who have experienced childhood adversity, enhancing their mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the impact of childhood adversity on stress responses can lead to significant advancements in mental health treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gruhn, Meredith — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gruhn, Meredith
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.