Understanding why some youth bully others
Reward motivations associated with bullying trajectories
This project explores the reward systems in the brain that might encourage bullying behavior in young people.
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 ID | NIH-11159492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Bullying is a widespread problem among youth, causing long-lasting harm to mental health, social life, school performance, and overall well-being. Current approaches to stop bullying have only had limited success. This work looks into how certain reward processes, especially finding satisfaction in rewards gained at someone else's expense, might contribute to bullying. By understanding these brain-based reward mechanisms, we hope to develop more effective and targeted interventions to reduce bullying.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding bullying behaviors in adolescents and young adults, particularly those involved in perpetrating bullying.
Not a fit: Individuals not directly involved in bullying behaviors or those outside the adolescent and young adult age range may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective ways to prevent and reduce bullying, improving the lives of both those who bully and those who are bullied.
How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions targeting altered reward processes have shown some promise, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- 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 below.