How social interactions influence motivation and behavior in the brain
Official title: Brain mechanisms underlying how social stimuli elicit motivated behavior
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11056943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains respond to social situations, like interacting with friends, by exploring how social status affects our feelings and motivations, using mice to help us understand the science behind social behavior and emotions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $816,063 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136502-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing social anxiety, aggression, or other behavioral issues related to social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social interaction challenges or behavioral issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that drive motivated behavior in response to social stimuli, such as interactions with peers. It focuses on understanding how social hierarchies affect emotional responses and motivation by examining specific brain regions, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and the basolateral amygdala. By studying groups of mice with established social ranks, the research aims to uncover how social information is processed and integrated into the neural circuits that govern behavior. This could provide insights into the biological underpinnings of social behavior and emotional responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how social dynamics influence behavior, potentially informing treatments for social and emotional disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural mechanisms of behavior through similar approaches, although this specific focus on social stimuli is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salzman, C. Daniel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Salzman, C. Daniel
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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.