Understanding how early life challenges affect emotional development in South African adolescents

Resilient Emotion Regulation Development in a South African Birth Cohort

NIH-funded research Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-10898037

This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood affect how teenagers manage their emotions, especially in kids from low- and middle-income areas in Cape Town, South Africa, and it aims to find ways to help them develop better emotional skills despite these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898037 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how early adversities impact emotional regulation in adolescents from low- and middle-income countries, particularly focusing on a birth cohort in Cape Town, South Africa. By utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques and behavioral assessments, the study aims to identify protective factors that can enhance emotional development despite challenging circumstances. The research involves community participation to ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to the local context. Ultimately, it seeks to create a model that explains how these protective factors influence neurodevelopment and emotional health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 0-20 years who have experienced early life adversities in low- and middle-income settings.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or who have not experienced early life adversities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting emotional development in adolescents facing early life adversities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding emotional regulation in adolescents, but this study aims to fill a significant gap in knowledge specific to low- and middle-income countries.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.