How prenatal stress affects anxiety and behavior in adolescents

The Evolutionary Basis of the Developmental Course and Etiologies of Anxiety and Disruptive Behaviors during Early Adolescence

NIH-funded research Queens College · NIH-11094861

This study is looking at how stress during pregnancy, like what many experienced during Superstorm Sandy, might affect kids' anxiety and behavior as they grow up, especially when combined with challenges like parenting and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionQueens College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Flushing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094861 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of prenatal exposure to psychosocial stress, specifically from Superstorm Sandy, on anxiety and disruptive behaviors in children. By analyzing a cohort of children who were exposed to this stress in utero, the study aims to understand how these early experiences interact with postnatal stressors, such as parenting quality and environmental challenges like COVID-19. The research will utilize various diagnostic frameworks to assess behavioral outcomes and brain changes, focusing on both boys and girls to identify sex-specific differences in symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-20 who were exposed to prenatal stress due to environmental factors.

Not a fit: Patients who were not exposed to prenatal stress or who are outside the age range of 0-20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for anxiety and disruptive behaviors in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of prenatal stress on child development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Flushing, 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.