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. 

 

 

April 29, 2022
Biomarkers
ECHO-wide Study
Stress during pregnancy

Associations between social, biologic, and behavioral factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress during pregnancy: Findings from four ECHO cohorts

This study looked at how lower socioeconomic status and stress affect pregnancy outcomes. The researchers studied biological, behavioral, and social factors that might contribute to oxidative stress, which is an important yet understudied way that these factors can harm a pregnancy. The results showed that pregnant people who smoked or had less than a high school education had higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, which may contribute to negative health outcomes for both the pregnancy and the child.
April 25, 2022
CANDLE Study
Caregiving behaviors
Child mental & behavioral health
Protective factors
Stress during pregnancy

Intergenerational transmission of effects of women's stressors during pregnancy: Child psychopathology and the protective role of parenting

This study looked at the effects of stress and violence experienced by pregnant women on their children's mental health. The researchers found that women's exposure to stress and violence during pregnancy was linked to problems with child mental health and executive functioning. Importantly, the study also found that high-quality parenting behaviors (higher sensitivity, supportiveness, scaffolding) could protect against these negative effects. The results suggest that supporting women's mental health during pregnancy and supporting their capacity for sensitive parenting could improve the wellbeing of both mothers and their children.
April 13, 2022
CANDLE Study
Child mental & behavioral health
Childhood adversity
Maternal mental health

Intergenerational transmission of maternal childhood adversity and depression on children's internalizing problems

This study examined how childhood trauma experienced by mothers can affect their own mental health and the mental health of their children. The researchers found that mothers who experienced childhood trauma had higher levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth, and this was associated with their children's internalizing problems between 36 and 48-60 months of age. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of maternal childhood trauma and addressing its effects to protect both caregivers and their children.
April 7, 2022
Biomarkers
Child mental & behavioral health

Evidence for discrete profiles of children's physiological activity across three neurobiological system and their transitions over time

This study looked at how different biological systems in children, such as the nervous and hormonal systems, work together to respond to stress during their transition to kindergarten. The researchers used a statistical analysis called latent profile analysis to identify three distinct patterns of activity across these systems. They found that these patterns were stable over time and were associated with children's socioemotional outcomes at the end of the school year.
April 1, 2022
Child mental & behavioral health
Childhood adversity
Protective factors

Youth well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected families and children's well-being. The researchers found that when families experienced more pandemic-related difficulties, both caregivers and children experienced more stress, which was linked to lower life satisfaction for children. The study also found that social connections and engagement with family can protect children's well-being, especially for younger children, while anxiety and depression were risk factors for adolescents.