Understanding how threat sensitivity is passed from parents to young children

Intergenerational transmission of threat sensitivity as an risk marker for psychopathology in young children

NIH-funded research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11023511

This study is looking at how kids learn to feel more anxious about things they see as threats and how their parents might play a role in that, using fun activities and brain tests to find ways to help kids who struggle with anxiety.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023511 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how heightened sensitivity to perceived threats develops in children and how it may be influenced by their parents. By examining mother-child pairs, the study will assess various factors including behavioral, neural, and biological responses to threats. The research employs a range of methods such as clinical interviews, computer tasks, and EEG to gather comprehensive data on threat sensitivity. The goal is to identify patterns that could help in developing interventions for anxiety in children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 4-8 years and their mothers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of mother-child dyads or who are outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating anxiety disorders in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the intergenerational transmission of psychological traits, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.