Investigating how women's experiences of adversity affect depression and anxiety symptoms over time.
Official title: Women's adversity exposure, HPA axis regulation, and internalizing symptoms: a longitudinal study of a depression intervention
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10983332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences like poverty and violence can affect women's mental health, especially their feelings of depression and anxiety, and it aims to find better ways to help women in challenging situations feel better over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,109 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH131866-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women living in low-resource contexts who have experienced significant adversities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of adversity or who are not experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the relationship between exposure to adversities, such as poverty and violence, and the development of depression and anxiety symptoms in women, particularly in low-resource settings. It focuses on understanding how these experiences impact the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in stress response. By analyzing data from a longitudinal study, the research aims to assess the long-term effects of mental health interventions on both psychological symptoms and HPA axis function. This could lead to improved mental health strategies tailored for women facing unique challenges in their environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mental health interventions for women experiencing adversity, ultimately reducing the burden of depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing mental health issues through targeted interventions in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maselko, Joanna — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Maselko, Joanna
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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.