Understanding brain connections in newborns linked to emotional behaviors in preschoolers
Neonatal Functional Connectivity Associated with Callous-Unemotional Behaviors in Preschoolers
This study is looking at how the way newborns' brains connect might be linked to certain emotional traits that can show up in preschoolers, and it's for parents who want to understand early signs of emotional challenges in their children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896467 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain connectivity in newborns may be related to the development of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in preschoolers. By studying a group of mother-infant pairs, the researchers will use advanced neuroimaging techniques to observe brain activity in infants and assess the emotional behaviors of these children as they grow. The goal is to determine if changes in brain connectivity occur before the onset of CU traits, which could help identify at-risk children early on. This study aims to provide insights into the biological and environmental factors that contribute to these emotional and behavioral challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include newborns and their mothers, particularly those with a family history of emotional or behavioral disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than three years or do not have a family history of conduct disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for children at risk of developing serious emotional and behavioral issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and emotional regulation in older children, but this specific approach in newborns is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brenner, Rebecca — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Brenner, Rebecca
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.