Understanding how toxic stress affects children and families across generations
Biological, Behavioral, and Genetic Mechanisms in the Intergenerational Transmission of Toxic Stress
This study is looking at how tough experiences like poverty and mental health issues in parents can create lasting stress for kids and their families, and it aims to find ways to help by focusing on things like loving care and daily routines that can make a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10673702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological, behavioral, and genetic factors that contribute to the transmission of toxic stress among vulnerable children and their families. It focuses on how childhood adversities, such as poverty and parental mental illness, can lead to persistent stress responses that affect health and development. The study aims to identify protective factors, such as supportive caregiving and consistent daily routines, that can mitigate these effects. By analyzing data from mother-child pairs, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the intergenerational transmission of stress and develop strategies for prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years old who are experiencing or at risk for toxic stress due to adverse childhood experiences.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or do not have a history of exposure to toxic stress may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that help reduce the impact of toxic stress on children's health and development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of childhood adversity on health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Condon, Eileen — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Condon, Eileen
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 below.