Improving mental health during pregnancy to benefit mothers and infants

Developing pregnancy-specific dialectical behavior therapy skills to promote multigenerational mental health

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11032748

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032748 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women experiencing emotional dysregulation or related mental health challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without emotional dysregulation issues may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting emotional regulation can be effective, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.