Understanding Family Wellbeing Across Generations

The Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Third Generation Children’s Study

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11193287

This project looks at how family experiences and health are passed down through three generations, especially focusing on children's development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11193287 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project follows families over many years to understand how economic, social, and health differences are passed from parents to children and even grandchildren. Researchers collect information on family life, parenting styles, and children's health and development. By looking at three generations, we hope to learn how these factors shape a child's future and identify ways to support family wellbeing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project is for families already participating in the long-running Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, specifically focusing on children born to the second generation of participants.

Not a fit: Individuals or families not already part of the established multi-generational cohort would not directly benefit from this specific phase of the project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the root causes of health and social inequalities, leading to more effective programs and policies that support children and families.

How similar studies have performed: This project is unique as the only ongoing U.S. birth cohort study following three generations, building on decades of prior data collection from the same families.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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.