# Positive Childhood Experiences and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $47,025

## Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; e.g., abuse, neglect, substance use) exert significant impact on adult
health outcomes. Numerous studies have demonstrated a dose-relationship between the number of adversities
experienced in childhood and adverse health outcomes in adulthood. In contrast, positive childhood
experiences (PCEs) stem from safe, secure, nurturing relationships and environments, create a sense of
belonging, and instill a sense of well-being. PCEs have been shown to have a protective effect on adult health
outcomes, even in the presence of ACEs. Less is known about the intergenerational transmission of ACEs and
PCEs (e.g., how parents’ own childhood experiences shape their parenting and subsequently impact their
children’s experiences). Exploring the effects of PCEs and parenting practices on intergenerational trauma
transmission among families could provide additional insight on parental transmission of both positive and
adverse childhood experiences. The purpose of this Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National
Research Service Award (NRSA) application is to prepare the applicant to become an independent research
scientist through tailored, mentored training and research experience. There are two aspects of this fellowship:
1) a training plan with objectives in methods proficiency, substantive expertise, and role attainment; and 2) a
research project focused on understanding the role of PCEs in mitigating the effects of ACEs. A strong
mentorship team that includes a sponsor, co-sponsor, and collaborators from the University of Michigan
Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine, and consultants with expertise in the proposed data set and
methods, will provide the necessary guidance in childhood experiences, parenting, and mixed methods. The
proposed research project is a mixed methods study that will include a secondary data analysis from the Panel
Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative study that includes intergenerational data on childhood
experiences and parenting, and primary qualitative data collection and analysis from parents with young
children. Study aims are as follows:1) to investigate the extent to which parental PCEs moderate the
association between parental ACEs and their children’s ACEs; 2) to investigate the extent to which positive
parenting practices mediate the association between parental ACEs and their children's ACEs; and 3) to
explore parents' perceptions of their own childhood experiences, both positive and negative, on their
subsequent parenting practices. Findings will be integrated to offer a more nuanced approach and deeper
understanding of what childhood experiences have the greatest impact on the next generation. The proposed
research aligns with the National Institute of Nursing Research 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This fellowship
would allow for important learning opportunities and mentoring in mixed methods study design and analysis,
secondary quantitative data analysis...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10996258
- **Project number:** 1F31NR021335-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Patricia Jill-Kelly Drenth
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $47,025
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10996258

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10996258, Positive Childhood Experiences and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission (1F31NR021335-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10996258. Licensed CC0.

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