UH psychologist receives NIH grant to evaluate remote parenting program for premature infants

July 29, 2026 - 23:48

A psychologist at the University of Houston has been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The funding will support the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate whether a parenting program delivered remotely can help improve brain development in premature infants.

The study focuses on babies born preterm, who face a higher risk of long-term mental health challenges. The program is designed to be delivered from a distance, allowing parents to participate without needing to travel to a clinic. Researchers will examine how the intervention affects healthy brain growth in these infants, with the goal of supporting better mental health outcomes as the children grow older.

The grant marks a significant step in understanding how early, accessible support for parents can shape a child's developmental path. By testing the program through a rigorous clinical trial, the team hopes to provide evidence that remote parenting guidance is both effective and practical for families of preterm babies. The findings could eventually inform broader public health strategies for supporting at-risk infants and their caregivers.