How parents' views on threats affect their children's anxiety

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

['FUNDING_R01'] · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · NIH-11037883

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

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMCLEAN HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BELMONT, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11037883 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 is 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, while also identifying factors that may influence these relationships. The ultimate goal is to inform personalized interventions for anxiety treatment based on these findings.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients who do not have anxiety disorders or whose anxiety is not influenced by parental behavior 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 addressing the root causes of anxiety transmission from parents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding parental influences on child anxiety can lead to effective interventions, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

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.