Improving mental health during pregnancy to benefit mothers and infants
Official title: Developing pregnancy-specific dialectical behavior therapy skills to promote multigenerational mental health
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11032748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy to help pregnant women feel better emotionally, which can be good for both their mental health and their baby's health, by offering supportive group sessions that teach helpful skills for managing feelings during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,440,659 |
| NIH project number | 1R61MH138444-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women experiencing emotional dysregulation or related mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without emotional dysregulation issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a specialized therapy to help pregnant women manage their emotions better, which can have positive effects on both their mental health and their baby's health. The approach involves using techniques from dialectical behavior therapy, which is designed to improve emotional regulation. By addressing the emotional challenges faced during pregnancy, the study aims to enhance maternal well-being and promote healthier outcomes for infants at birth and in their early months. Participants will engage in group sessions that provide skills and support tailored to their unique needs during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health for pregnant women and better developmental outcomes for their infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting emotional regulation can be effective, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conradt, Liz D — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Conradt, Liz D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pregnancy-focused dialectical behavior skills to support two generations
A new program tests whether teaching pregnant people emotion-regulation skills can improve the health and well‑being of both the mother and her baby, from pregnancy through early infancy.
-
Understanding mental health before and after elective pregnancy termination
This study looks at how having an elective termination of pregnancy affects the mental health of women and their families, while also considering how social and cultural factors play a role, so we can better support those going through this experience.
-
How air pollution during pregnancy affects fetal growth over time
This study looks at how air pollution affects the growth of babies in the womb during pregnancy, using ultrasound images to track changes over time, and it aims to help expectant parents understand when their babies might be most at risk from pollution.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Postoperative Pain Guidelines for Pregnancy: Safer, Patient-Centered Opioid Use
We’re creating patient-friendly guidelines to help doctors manage pain after delivery and surgery in pregnant people, aiming to reduce opioid overuse and improve safety.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
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.