How childhood maltreatment affects disease risk in young adults through stress regulation

Childhood Maltreatment and Disease Risk in Young Adulthood: The Role of HPA Regulation in Adolescence

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10848422

This study is looking at how experiencing tough times as a child can affect your health as a young adult, especially by changing how your body handles stress, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of childhood challenges on health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10848422 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term health impacts of childhood maltreatment, focusing on how it influences disease risk in young adulthood through the regulation of the body's stress response system, specifically the HPA axis. By examining the connections between maltreatment, stress regulation, and disease outcomes, the study aims to identify critical pathways that could lead to preventive measures. The research will utilize innovative modeling techniques to assess HPA axis functioning over time, from childhood through young adulthood, providing a comprehensive view of how early trauma can shape health trajectories. Participants will be involved in assessments that track their health and stress responses throughout this developmental period.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include young adults who have a history of childhood maltreatment and are currently experiencing health issues related to stress or chronic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced childhood maltreatment or those who are not currently in the young adult age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and interventions for individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment, ultimately reducing their risk of chronic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant associations between childhood maltreatment and health outcomes, but this study aims to provide a novel approach by integrating HPA axis functioning over time.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, 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.