Understanding how parent-infant emotional connections develop

Emotional and biobehavioral mechanisms of parent-infant emotional synchrony

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10949077

This study looks at how parents and babies connect emotionally and how those early moments can shape a child's feelings and relationships as they grow up, using special tools to better understand these interactions.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10949077 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the emotional and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to the emotional synchrony between parents and infants. By examining how these early interactions influence a child's socioemotional development, the study aims to identify the pathways that lead to healthy emotional functioning throughout life. The research will utilize advanced techniques such as ECG and EEG to gather data on parent-infant interactions, and it will integrate both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents and their infants, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including African American families.

Not a fit: Patients who are not parents or guardians of infants aged 0-11 years may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that promote healthier emotional development in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding parent-child emotional dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

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 2026-06-09 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.