How parent and child emotions and behaviors work together in families with and without depression
Official title: Parent-child synchrony in depressed and non-depressed dyads: A multi-modal investigation
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-10580509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how parents and their kids respond to each other during tough situations, especially when a parent has struggled with depression, to better understand their emotional connections and find ways to help kids manage their feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $426,610 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH132055-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 8-10 and their biological parents, especially those with a history of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have children or whose children are outside the age range of 8-10 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the coordination of behaviors, emotions, and physiological responses between parents and their children, particularly focusing on how these interactions differ in families where a parent has a history of depression. By observing parent-child dyads during challenging tasks, the study aims to measure synchrony in their responses and identify how parental depression affects this dynamic. The research employs a multi-method approach, including behavioral observations and physiological assessments, to gain a comprehensive understanding of these interactions. The findings could help in developing strategies to improve emotional regulation skills in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved emotional regulation strategies for children, particularly those from families affected by parental depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding parent-child interactions can lead to significant improvements in emotional and behavioral outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Sarah — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Black, Sarah
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.