How early life neglect affects heart and metabolic health in young adults

The Effects of Early Psychosocial Deprivation on Cardiometabolic Risk in Early Adulthood

NIH-funded research Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10837809

This study looks at how growing up in tough situations without enough emotional support affects the health of young adults who faced serious neglect as kids, checking things like their body size and blood pressure when they turn 22.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard School of Public Health NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10837809 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term health effects of early psychosocial deprivation on young adults who experienced severe neglect in childhood. By following participants from a previous study, the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, the researchers will assess various health factors at age 22, including body size, blood pressure, and metabolic markers. The study employs clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and self-reported health behaviors to gather comprehensive data on cardiometabolic risks. This approach aims to understand how early life experiences influence physical health outcomes in adulthood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were part of the Bucharest Early Intervention Project and are now around 22 years old.

Not a fit: Patients who did not experience early psychosocial deprivation or were not part of the original study may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how early interventions can mitigate health risks associated with childhood neglect.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant impacts of early life experiences on health, making this approach both relevant and potentially groundbreaking.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-10 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.