How social support affects stress during puberty
Social Buffering Over the Pubertal Transition: COVID-19 Repair Supplement
This study looks at how support from friends and family can help reduce stress in kids aged 11 to 14, especially as they go through puberty and face challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social support from friends and family influences stress levels in children and adolescents, particularly during the transition into puberty. It aims to understand the changes in the effectiveness of social buffering as children age, especially in response to stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will involve measuring stress responses through cortisol levels and other physiological indicators in participants aged 11-14 years. By examining these factors, the research seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms behind social buffering and its implications for mental health during adolescence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children and adolescents aged 11-14 who are experiencing the challenges of puberty.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 11-14 years or those not experiencing puberty may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting adolescents in managing stress and preventing mental health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that social support can significantly impact stress responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gunnar, Megan R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gunnar, Megan R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.