Young children's self-regulation is linked to their later well-being and learning. Little is known about the significance of parents' broader social environment for the development of child self-regulation and related brain networks, especially in situations where the family faces severe stressors. This study will collect data that includes both families living in the inpatient units of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters experiencing extreme stressors and families from the general population. The research aims to identify the key social protective factors of parents after the birth of their baby. We study how these factors are associated with the child's self-regulation and brain development, as well as the parent's ability to provide high-quality care and stimulation for their child. The study will enhance our understanding of the broader social environment's importance for child development and help improve healthcare services, particularly for at-risk families, to meet these needs.

2025

2029