How childhood trauma affects adult caregiving for aging parents
Official title: The Life Course Approach to Caregiving for Aging Parents: Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10984966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, affect adults who are taking care of their aging parents, helping us understand how these past challenges shape their caregiving and relationships today.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $131,517 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG076875-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are currently caregivers for aging parents and have experienced adverse childhood events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood events or are not involved in caregiving for aging parents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse or neglect, impact the ability and outcomes of adults who care for their aging parents. By analyzing data from the Midlife in the United States studies, the research aims to identify the prevalence of caregivers who have experienced ACEs and how these experiences influence their caregiving roles. The study focuses on understanding the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult responsibilities and relationships, particularly in the context of caregiving. This approach highlights the importance of considering early life experiences when assessing caregiver stress and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for adult caregivers who have experienced childhood trauma, enhancing their well-being and caregiving effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant links between adverse childhood experiences and various adult outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into caregiving dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Jooyoung — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Kong, Jooyoung
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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.