Research

IDHP Research Summaries

Guide to Navigating this Research Archive

Here you will find research articles published by IDHP researchers that are related to our primary scientific foci: the interconnected mental health of children and their caregivers, the intergenerational impact of stressful experiences on mental and physical health, and interventions and other buffers that support family wellness. 

 

In the right sidebar, you can search this archive by research topic, as well as by research study (you can read about each study on the Current Projects page). Each archive entry has a simple summary, the full scientific abstract, and a link to the full article. Most of the articles in this research archive are available open access (i.e., you can access it without a subscription). If you are trying to access an article and aren't able to see the full version, please email us at [email protected], and we would be happy to assist. 

 

 

March 10, 2022
Biomarkers
Child mental & behavioral health
Intervention effects
MAMAS/SEED Study

The effects of a prenatal mindfulness intervention on infant autonomic and behavioral reactivity and regulation

This study looked at whether maternal participation in a wellness group during pregnancy affects the health of the child, as well as the mother. Findings showed that infants of women who participated in the wellness group had better self-regulation behavior and showed quicker physiological recovery from stress than those in a treatment-as-usual group. These results suggest that prenatal interventions that reduce mothers' stress may have two-generation benefits.
March 8, 2022
Child mental & behavioral health
Stress during pregnancy
TIDES Study

Associations between maternal stressful life events and perceived distress during pregnancy and child mental health at age 4

This study looked at how maternal stress during pregnancy can affect children's mental health. The researchers found that maternal experiences of objectively stressful events as well as perceived stress were linked to children's mental health, with more stress predicting more mental health problems and worse adaptability. These findings highlight the importance of understanding different types of stress and suggests that family-focused interventions before and after birth could help prevent mental health problems in children.