How maternal PTSD affects infant emotional development
Mechanistic links between maternal PTSD and early infant emotional development
This study looks at how mothers with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might find it hard to connect with and respond to their babies, which can affect both the mother's ability to care for her child and the baby's emotional growth, and it aims to find ways to help both moms and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on early parenting behaviors and the emotional development of infants. It focuses on understanding how mothers with PTSD may struggle with emotional regulation and responsiveness to their infants, which can affect the mother-infant bond and the child's emotional health. The study will analyze maternal behaviors and infant responses to identify patterns that could inform interventions to support both mothers and their children. By examining these dynamics, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to intergenerational transmission of PTSD symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include mothers experiencing PTSD and their infants, particularly those within the first few weeks of life.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of PTSD or are not mothers of infants may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for mothers with PTSD, enhancing their parenting skills and promoting healthier emotional development in their infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal mental health can significantly improve child outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lott, Abigail Powers — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Lott, Abigail Powers
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.