Improving emotional development in young children facing challenges
Official title: Promoting Emotional Development Among Young Children Facing Adversity: An Effectiveness Implementation Study in St. Louis Schools
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10890878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special online program called 'THRIVE' can help young kids aged 4 to 6, who have been through tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic, feel better emotionally and think more clearly, and it will compare this program to another online parenting resource to see which one works better for families in need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $759,275 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130621-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are caregiver-child dyads with children aged 4 to 6 years who are experiencing adversity.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range of 4 to 6 years or those not facing significant adversity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the emotional and cognitive development of young children aged 4 to 6 who are facing adversity, such as those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It involves a brief six-session intervention called 'THRIVE,' which is delivered via video conference in the family's home. The study will compare the effectiveness of this intervention against an established online parenting program, focusing on making these resources accessible to families in high-risk school districts in St. Louis. By utilizing schools as a platform for delivery, the research seeks to address the barriers to accessing mental health support for these children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical support to improve the emotional well-being and developmental outcomes of children facing adversity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions similar to 'THRIVE' have shown promise in improving developmental outcomes for children in high-risk situations.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luby, Joan L. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Luby, Joan L.
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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.