Understanding posttraumatic distress in Latinx immigrants seeking asylum

Posttraumatic Distress and the Immigrant Experience: Individual and Interpersonal Risk and Resilience across Domains of Influence

NIH-funded research University of Houston · NIH-10881728

This study is looking at how different types of trauma affect the mental health and well-being of Latinx immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S., and it’s for undocumented adults who have experienced these challenges, with follow-ups happening a year later to see how they’re doing.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881728 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of trauma on Latinx immigrants who are seeking asylum in the U.S. It aims to collect longitudinal data from 400 undocumented adults to understand how trauma experienced before, during, and after the asylum process affects their mental health and quality of life. The study will utilize biological markers to explore the relationship between trauma and inflammation, providing insights into the mechanisms of distress and resilience. Participants will be recruited from immigrant camps and shelters, and follow-up assessments will occur one year later to evaluate ongoing trauma and its effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are undocumented Latinx immigrants aged 21 and older who are seeking asylum in the U.S.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Latinx immigrants or who are not seeking asylum may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and support systems for Latinx immigrants facing posttraumatic distress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the effects of trauma on immigrant populations, making this approach both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.