How parents' mental health affects their children's family choices

Intergenerational Influences on Marriage, Contraception and Childbearing

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10824237

This study looks at how a parent's mental health can affect their children's choices about marriage, having kids, and using birth control, and it aims to help us understand these family patterns better by also considering genetics.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10824237 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of parental mental health on children's decisions regarding marriage, contraception, and childbearing. By analyzing data from a long-term family panel study, the researchers aim to understand how mental disorders in parents can influence their children's future family formation processes. The study will also incorporate genetic information to better assess the role of inherited factors in these dynamics. Through this comprehensive approach, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding intergenerational influences on family behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include families with a history of mental health disorders and their children, particularly those navigating marriage and family planning.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a family history of mental health issues or are not involved in family formation processes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for families, enhancing the wellbeing of both parents and children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that parental mental health significantly influences children's outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Mental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorder
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.