Investigating how child maltreatment affects heart disease risk through psychological and immune factors
Official title: Child maltreatment and cardiovascular disease risk: examining psychosocial and immunological pathways in a prospective, longitudinal cohort
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10996182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, might affect heart health later in life by comparing kids who have faced these challenges with those who haven't, helping us understand the connection between early hardships and heart problems as adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $504,964 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158577-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 8-13 who have been investigated for child maltreatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced child maltreatment or are outside the age range of 8-13 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the long-term effects of child maltreatment on cardiovascular disease risk by exploring the psychological and immunological pathways involved. It involves a longitudinal study of youth aged 8-13 who have been investigated for maltreatment, comparing them with peers who have not experienced such trauma. By analyzing biopsychosocial data and immune function outcomes, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms linking early life adversity to later health issues. This research seeks to improve understanding of how childhood experiences can impact heart health in adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies for cardiovascular disease in individuals with a history of child maltreatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life stressors can significantly impact long-term health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schreier, Hannah Milena Caroline — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Schreier, Hannah Milena Caroline
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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.