Using innovative statistical, psychophysiological, and genetic methods, our goal is to understand how resilience is transmitted between parents and their children.

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The objective of this multidisciplinary inter-university research project is to enhance our comprehension of how resilience is passed on from parents to their children through experimental research utilizing innovative psychophysiological techniques, genetic research, and complex statistical models. Resilience refers to individuals' ability to cope with and recover from stressful events, safeguarding both parents and children against the development of mental health problems. Given that daily family life necessitates constant adaptation to changing and challenging circumstances, it is crucial to investigate methods of strengthening family resilience. In the TRIAD project, we investigate the transfer of stress resistance among mothers, fathers, and their 10 to 12-year-old children in Belgian families. This transmission of resilience is a dynamic process wherein family members influence one another's ability to recover from stressful events. We anticipate that the transfer of resilience is associated with biological and behavioral factors such as genetic traits, physiological reactivity, hormonal processes, and familial interaction patterns. Additionally, we examine heart rate variability, brain waves, eye movements, and the level of behavioral alignment between parents and their children when confronted with emotional and stressful situations. By exploring the connection between biology and behavior in relation to resilience transfer, we aim to make groundbreaking discoveries that can contribute to scientific advancements. Our ultimate objective is to offer strategies for supporting family resilience during times of distress by obtaining a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms involved in the transmission of resilience.