How early life stress affects aggression through brain circuitry
Official title: The Impact of Early Life Stress On Amygdala Circuitry And Chronic Excessive Aggression
Funded at Southern Illinois University Carbondale · NIH-11178837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood, like feeling alone or going through trauma, can affect the brain and lead to aggressive behavior in adults, with the hope of finding better ways to help people manage their anger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Carbondale NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carbondale, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $21,024 |
| NIH project number | 3R15HD110925-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 12 years and older who have experienced significant stress or trauma during childhood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life stress or trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between early life stress and aggressive behavior in adults by examining changes in brain circuitry, specifically the amygdala. The study focuses on how experiences such as social isolation and traumatic stress during adolescence can lead to long-lasting aggression. By understanding the neural mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential new therapies for managing aggression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for aggression linked to childhood trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for reducing aggression in individuals who have experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between early life stress and aggression, indicating that this approach has potential for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nordman, Jacob — Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Study coordinator: Nordman, Jacob
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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.