How parental income affects children's mental health and immune function

Experimental evidence of the impact of parental income on child mental health and neuroimmune function

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11072773

This study is looking at how extra money for families can affect the mental health and well-being of kids aged 5 to 14 from lower-income backgrounds, to see if financial support helps them feel better and grow healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072773 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between family income and the mental health and neuroimmune function of children. By conducting a double-blind randomized controlled trial, the study will provide substantial income supplements to some families while others will receive minimal support. The goal is to understand how these financial changes impact children's mental health and biological responses over time. The research will involve 1,200 youth aged 5 to 14 years from lower-income families, allowing for a detailed examination of the effects of income on child development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5 to 14 years from lower-income families.

Not a fit: Children from higher-income families or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that improve mental health outcomes for children from low-income families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in similar income supplementation studies, indicating potential for significant impact on child development.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.