How childhood socioeconomic disadvantage affects antisocial behavior and brain function
Official title: Childhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Antisocial Behavior: Investigating the Role of Reward Processing
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11079499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how growing up in a tough financial situation can affect the way the brain works and develops, especially when it comes to aggressive behavior in teens and young adults, and it aims to help us understand the links between money struggles, brain activity, and these behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,545 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH131373-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced socioeconomic disadvantage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood influences brain structure and function, particularly in relation to antisocial behavior. The project aims to understand the biological and psychological factors that contribute to aggressive behaviors in adolescents and young adults. Through advanced neuroimaging techniques and longitudinal data analysis, the research will explore the connections between socioeconomic status, reward processing in the brain, and the development of antisocial behaviors. The study is supported by a mentorship team from prestigious institutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the topic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for preventing antisocial behavior in disadvantaged youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between socioeconomic factors and behavioral outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westerman, Heidi Beth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Westerman, Heidi Beth
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.