How mothers' past trauma affects their young children's behavior
Intergenerational impact of maternal trauma history on preschoolers' behavioral health outcomes: Assessing links with caregiving sensitivity and DNA methylation
This study looks at how a mother's past experiences with trauma can affect the behavior of her 4-year-old child, focusing on different times in the mother's life, and it aims to help us understand these connections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906880 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of mothers' trauma histories on the behavioral health of their 4-year-old children. It examines various periods of maternal trauma, including experiences before and during pregnancy, as well as postnatal abuse. The study aims to understand how these experiences influence children's behavior through biological markers, specifically DNA methylation, and the sensitivity of maternal caregiving. By analyzing data from a cohort of Peruvian women, the research seeks to uncover the complex relationships between maternal trauma and child outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include mothers with a history of trauma and their children aged 4 years.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a maternal trauma history or whose children are older than 4 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for children affected by maternal trauma, enhancing their behavioral health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the intergenerational effects of trauma, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basu, Archana — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Basu, Archana
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.