Understanding how early life factors affect mental health in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Official title: Preventing Adult Mental Health Problems from Early Childhood in the Contexts of Genetic Susceptibility, Poverty, Racism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Funded at Oregon Research Institute · NIH-10979168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how young adults from low-income and diverse backgrounds are dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it aims to find ways to help them cope better as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,932 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131670-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include emerging adults aged 18-25 from low-income backgrounds, particularly those who have experienced racial or ethnic discrimination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the specified age range or who do not have a history of mental health challenges related to the factors being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental health challenges faced by emerging adults, particularly those from low-income and racially diverse backgrounds, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines how factors such as genetic susceptibility, poverty, and experiences of racism contribute to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By following a group of at-risk individuals from early childhood into their twenties, the study aims to identify protective factors and coping mechanisms that can help mitigate these challenges. The research employs a longitudinal approach, gathering data over several years to understand the long-term impacts of these early life experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and support systems for young adults facing similar challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in addressing mental health issues in similar populations, indicating that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Research Institute
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westling, Erika — Oregon Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Westling, Erika
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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.