How parents' perceptions of threats affect their children's anxiety

Parent interpretation bias as a key mechanism of intergenerational transmission of anxiety

['FUNDING_R01'] · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · NIH-11218720

This study looks at how parents' worries about uncertain situations can affect their kids' anxiety, aiming to find ways to help families manage anxiety together.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMCLEAN HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BELMONT, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11218720 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how parents' interpretation of ambiguous situations as threatening can influence their children's anxiety levels. By focusing on the concept of interpretation bias, the study aims to understand the mechanisms through which anxiety can be transmitted from parents to children. The researchers will empirically test a model that examines the effects of parent interpretation bias on both parent behavior and child interpretation bias, with the goal of identifying potential moderators that could inform personalized interventions for anxiety. This approach seeks to address a critical gap in understanding the intergenerational transmission of anxiety disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include parents of children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing anxiety symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have children or whose children are not experiencing anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for children suffering from anxiety by targeting specific parental behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding parental influences on child anxiety can lead to successful interventions, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Where this research is happening

BELMONT, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.