How maternal stress during pregnancy affects children's ability to manage emotions

Maternal Stress Resilience During Pregnancy and Offspring Emotion Regulation

NIH-funded research California State Univ-Dominguez Hills · NIH-11042174

This study looks at how stress during pregnancy affects how children manage their emotions, and it’s for expectant moms who might be feeling stressed; we want to find ways to help both moms and their babies feel better and thrive.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCalifornia State Univ-Dominguez Hills NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Carson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042174 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal stress on the emotional regulation of children, particularly focusing on pregnant women who experience chronic stress. By examining daily fluctuations in psychosocial resources like social support and self-efficacy, the study aims to identify protective factors that can help mitigate the effects of stress on both mothers and their infants. Pregnant participants will be monitored through lab visits and daily data collection to assess how their stress levels influence their child's emotional development. The goal is to inform preventative interventions that can support both maternal and child health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with a history of chronic stress, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without a history of chronic stress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that help mothers manage stress during pregnancy, ultimately improving emotional outcomes for their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal stress can positively influence child development, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Carson, 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 2026-06-13 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.