Using wearable sensors to assess how mothers respond to their infants' distress.
Official title: Automated Assessment of Maternal Sensitivity to Infant Distress: Leveraging Wearable Sensors for Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Research
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11143547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how moms respond to their babies when they're upset and how that can affect the child's feelings and behavior later on, using cool wearable sensors to track these interactions in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,727 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA059423-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include mothers of infants and young children, particularly those at risk for substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or do not have infants may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between mothers and their infants, particularly how sensitive responses to infant distress can influence long-term emotional and behavioral outcomes. By utilizing wearable sensors, the study aims to collect data on mother-infant interactions in real-life settings, allowing for a more accurate assessment of maternal sensitivity. The data gathered will help develop algorithms that can identify sensitive caregiving behaviors, which are crucial for preventing substance use disorders in children as they grow. This innovative approach combines technology with behavioral science to enhance our understanding of early childhood development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that promote healthy mother-infant interactions, ultimately reducing the risk of substance use disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early maternal sensitivity is linked to better emotional outcomes in children, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Barbaro, Kaya — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: De Barbaro, Kaya
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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.