Understanding and improving treatments for aggressive behavior in children

Basic and applied research on extinction bursts when treating problem behavior

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11109460

This study is looking for better ways to help kids who show aggressive behaviors by understanding and preventing sudden increases in those behaviors during treatment, so that the strategies we use can be safer and more effective for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11109460 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance treatments for destructive behaviors in children, particularly focusing on the phenomenon known as extinction bursts, which can occur when these behaviors are being treated. The study aims to refine a behavioral model that accounts for the timing and history of reinforcement, which may help in predicting and preventing these bursts. By conducting both clinical and laboratory tests, the researchers hope to develop new strategies that can make treatments safer and more effective for children experiencing aggressive behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit aggressive or destructive behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit aggressive behaviors or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for children with aggressive behaviors, reducing the risk of harm during therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that treatments based on functional analyses can significantly reduce destructive behavior, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.
Conditions Behavior Disordersbehavioral disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.