StandStrong: phone and home sensors to support new mothers with postpartum depression
Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment (StandStrong)
This project uses smartphone apps and passive home sensors, plus support from non-specialist counselors, to help new mothers with postpartum depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162308 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would use two mobile apps and small passive sensors placed in your home and on your infant to collect everyday information like activity and routines. The data are analyzed with machine learning so non-specialist counselors can see patterns and personalize psychological support. The team will use human-centered design to refine the apps and sensors, then test whether the system is usable, acceptable, and works as intended. Participation may include wearing a device, sharing passive data, and regular contact with a trained community counselor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are new mothers experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression who are willing to use a smartphone app and receive support from a community counselor.
Not a fit: Women without access to a smartphone, unwilling to have sensors in their home or infant, or those with severe psychiatric needs that require specialist care may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help counselors tailor support sooner and more closely to a mother's daily life, potentially improving mood and parenting outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work combining passive sensing and lay-counselor psychological care has shown promise but findings have been mixed, so this approach is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohrt, Brandon Alan — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kohrt, Brandon Alan
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 below.