How maternal depression affects infant self-regulation
Official title: Perinatal depressive symptoms and infant self-regulation: Pathways through infant autonomic regulation and postnatal maternal sensitivity
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11162159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feelings of depression in mothers during and after pregnancy can affect their babies' ability to manage their emotions and behaviors, helping us understand how to support both moms and their little ones better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2025 |
| Project end | March 4, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,789 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138042-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include mothers experiencing depressive symptoms during the perinatal period and their infants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or do not have infants may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how depressive symptoms in mothers during and after pregnancy influence their infants' ability to self-regulate. It focuses on understanding the different ways maternal depression can affect infants, particularly through physiological regulation and parenting sensitivity. By examining the timing of these depressive symptoms, the study aims to identify specific risk pathways that may lead to self-regulation impairments in infants. The research employs advanced analytical methods to explore these interactions and their implications for infant development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for mothers and infants, potentially reducing the risk of depression in future generations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal mental health can positively impact child development, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Padrutt, Emily R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Padrutt, Emily R
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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.