Parenting classes may lower kids' stress at a cellular level
NCT ID NCT06669624
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a 10-session parenting program called Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) can reduce stress-related biomarkers in children aged 2 to 3.5 years who have experienced early adversity. About 150 caregiver-child pairs will be randomly assigned to receive the program immediately or after a 4-month wait. Researchers will measure stress hormones, immune markers, and child well-being to see if the program helps.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) parenting program
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that a short parenting program can lower children's stress hormones and improve their long-term health.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study measuring biological markers, not a treatment. Results may not show clear benefits, and the program may not work for all families.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Parent/Caregiver Inclusion Criteria : * Aged 18 or older * Speaks English or Spanish * Is the parent or legal guardian with legal custody of a child aged between 24 months and 42 months * Is a primary caregiver/parent * Has a home-like environment in which to participate in the intervention Child Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 24 months and 42 months at enrollment * Lives with the parent/caregiver at least 50% of the time * Has experienced social risk factors, including low income, community or family violence, previous trauma/adversity exposure, prolonged separation from caregiver, significant difficulties in relationship with caregiver Child Exclusion Criteria * Has a diagnosed genetic or congenital disorders, including but not limited to Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, endocrine disorders (or is using steroid medications, including human growth hormone), or was born with birth defects
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
RECRUITINGChapel Hill, South Carolina, 27599, United States
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