RCMI-CCRHD Pilot Project Program 2023–2024 “Fearful BONDS in Parenting: Impact of Adverse Exposures”

Research Areas

  • Adversity exposures
  • Maternal Stress and Fear
  • Child Neurodevelopment
  • Protective Factors

Scientific Achievements

  • Developed an observational study that assessed maternal- infant stress at a physiological and behavioral level.
  • Developed a standardized interview to quantify maternal adverse exposures, environment, and protective factors.
  • Demonstrated that stronger maternal bonding mediates the negative impact of COVID-19 stress on child behavior, suggesting interventions during crises should focus on supporting attachment to mitigate developmental harm.

Funding

RCMI Funding:

  • NIH/NIMHD U54MD007600
  • NIH/NIMHD U54MD012388: Pilot Project: “Fearful BONDS in Parenting: Impact of Adverse Exposures”

Other Funding:

  • D34HP24463, HRSA Grant, Junior faculty research fellowship program for the Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE)
  • R25MD007607, Component II Career Development Award from the Postdoctoral master's degree program
  • U24MD015970-05, NIH/NIMHD Pilot Project RCMI-CC “Improving Minority Health Through Biofeedback and Stress Reduction”

Scientific Advance

Maternal Mental Health in Latinx/Hispanic Women after COVID-19 Pandemic (Brief Report)
Published in Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal, Volume 43, 2024, PMID: 39269767.
The study examined the mental health of mothers in Puerto Rico during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing levels of depression and anxiety between March 2020–April 2021 and May 2022–May 2023. Results showed that symptoms of depression and anxiety were actually higher after the pandemic period than during its height, suggesting lingering or even worsening psychological effects. Many mothers continued to experience loneliness, sadness, worry, and fear even though COVID-19 itself was no longer considered the main stressor. These findings highlight that maternal mental health remains vulnerable long after the acute crisis has passed and underscore the need for continued support and interventions for mothers in Puerto Rico.
R00 MH123495 / NIMH NIH HHS, R01 MH058883 / NIMH NIH HHS, R01 MH118734 / NIMH NIH HHS
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