How observing aggression affects behavior in children
Official title: Neural mechanisms of socially transmitted aggression
Funded at Southern Illinois University Carbondale · NIH-11051313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how kids might learn to be aggressive by watching others, using mice to understand how their brains work when they see someone being aggressive, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent aggressive behavior in children who witness violence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Carbondale NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carbondale, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136446-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been exposed to aggressive behaviors in their environment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or who have not been exposed to aggressive behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how children learn aggressive behaviors by observing others, particularly focusing on the neural mechanisms involved. Using a novel approach with mice, the study examines how familiarity with an aggressor influences the likelihood of aggressive behavior in witnesses. By analyzing brain activity in specific regions associated with aggression, the research aims to uncover the biological pathways that contribute to learned aggression. The findings could provide insights into preventing aggressive behaviors in children exposed to violence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing aggression in children and improving mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding aggression through animal models, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How sex differences affect the rewarding feel of aggression in the brain
This grant explores why aggressive experiences feel more rewarding in females and how specific brain circuits and chemical signals shape this in both sexes.
-
Metabolic therapy to reduce aggression and improve sociability in Alzheimer’s disease models
A ketogenic diet and adenosine biology are explored to see if they can lessen aggression and improve social behavior in models related to Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Genomic keys to juvenile aggression in kids and animals
A study using a novel animal model to uncover genomic factors that influence violent aggression in young individuals, with potential insights for understanding and preventing harmful behavior.
-
Men's drinking and sexual risk behaviors: alcohol, aggression, and emotions
A study with 21–30 year old men who drink and have condom-use challenges will look at how alcohol, aggression history, and emotions relate to risky sexual behavior.
-
Sex differences in brain circuits that control aggression
This project looks at how brain networks that drive aggressive behavior may differ between sexes, with the goal of understanding why aggression patterns differ and how they might be treated.
-
Understanding how genes and environment influence aggressive behavior in teens and young adults
A study looks at how genetic factors and experiences during childhood interact to shape aggressive behavior in adolescents and young adults, with potential implications for better treatments.
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.