Understanding how bullying affects reward motivations in youth
Official title: Reward motivations associated with bullying trajectories
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10915714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bullying behavior in young people is connected to how they think about rewards, and it aims to help create better ways to support kids who are affected by bullying.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,326 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD105002-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who have experienced or engaged in bullying behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or who have not been involved in bullying situations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between bullying behaviors and reward processing in young people. By examining how bullies perceive rewards, both relative to others and in absolute terms, the study aims to uncover the underlying biological and behavioral mechanisms that drive bullying. The research will involve collaboration with local schools and community partners to ensure that findings can be translated into effective interventions. Participants may undergo functional MRI scans to assess brain activity related to reward processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions that significantly reduce bullying behaviors and their negative impacts on youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the link between reward processing and aggressive behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perino, Michael T — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Perino, Michael T
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.