Understanding and improving treatments for aggressive behavior in children
Official title: Basic and applied research on extinction bursts when treating problem behavior
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11109460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,495 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109266-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit aggressive or destructive behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit aggressive behaviors or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Wayne William — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Wayne William
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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.