How losing a child affects parents' social connections and health
Official title: Impact of Parental Bereavement on Social Connection, Isolation, and Health
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10811381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how losing a child affects parents' friendships and health, aiming to find ways to help them feel less alone and improve their well-being during such a difficult time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,596 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD109694-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents who have recently lost a child and are experiencing feelings of isolation or changes in their social connections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced the loss of a child or those who are not currently facing social isolation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of losing a child on parents' social connections and overall health. It focuses on how bereavement can lead to social isolation, which in turn may increase the risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and dementia. The study aims to identify the ways in which social relationships change after such a loss and how healthcare systems can better support bereaved parents. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to develop interventions that can help mitigate the negative health outcomes associated with parental bereavement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support systems for bereaved parents, potentially reducing their risk of serious health problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social isolation can significantly improve health outcomes for bereaved individuals, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lichtenthal, Wendy G. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lichtenthal, Wendy G.
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.