Investigating how early childhood friendships can reduce aggression and improve social skills.

The Early Childhood Friendship Project: Testing Key Mechanisms and the Moderating Role of Physiological Reactivity

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-10896082

This study is testing a program designed to help kids aged 0-11 learn to get along better with others and manage their feelings, and it’s for families with children who might struggle with aggression or being bullied.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10896082 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on an early childhood intervention aimed at reducing aggression and peer victimization while promoting social and emotional learning among children aged 0-11. The project will involve 600 children from diverse backgrounds, utilizing various methods such as classroom observations, academic assessments, and physiological measurements to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The intervention will be implemented by teachers with coaching support, and its impact will be assessed over time to understand both immediate and lasting effects on children's behavior and emotional regulation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those who may be experiencing aggression or peer victimization.

Not a fit: Children who are not within the age range of 0-11 years or who do not exhibit any behavioral challenges may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for reducing aggressive behaviors in young children and enhancing their social skills.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in similar interventions aimed at improving social and emotional learning in early childhood settings.

Where this research is happening

AMHERST, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.