How discrimination affects mental health across generations
The Transgenerational Influence of Discrimination on Mental Health
['FUNDING_U01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10987256
This study looks at how facing discrimination while pregnant might affect the mental health of both moms and their babies, by checking the size of the baby's amygdala and their emotional reactions in the first few months, to help understand how these experiences could have lasting effects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10987256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiencing discrimination during pregnancy can impact the mental health of both mothers and their infants. It focuses on measuring the size of the infant's amygdala and their emotional responses in early months of life to understand the potential long-term effects of discrimination. By studying these early indicators, the research aims to uncover the biological and psychological pathways through which discrimination influences mental health outcomes. The findings could help identify at-risk populations and inform interventions to support affected families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have experienced discrimination and their infants aged 0-11 months.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced discrimination or whose infants are older than 11 months may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for mental health issues related to discrimination in both parents and children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that prenatal stress can significantly affect brain development and emotional regulation in infants, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established findings.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SULLIVAN, ELINOR L. — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SULLIVAN, ELINOR L.
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.