# Socioemotional Processing and Aggression

> **NIH NIH R01** · THE MIND RESEARCH NETWORK · 2020 · $698,835

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Complex relationships exist between mental illness and aggression, particularly interpersonal aggression that
can lead to antisocial behavior. Unfortunately, conducting high-impact mental health research among those
who have committed serious aggressive acts against persons has been strategically challenging for many
reasons. This research plan employs unique resources that enable advanced cognitive neuroscience research to
be conducted in forensic environments. Here we leverage these resources to examine impaired functioning of
neural circuits that contribute to specific varieties of serious aggressive behavior. Callous and unemotional
traits, impulsive/disinhibited behavior, and appetitive desire to harm others, all have identifiable roots in
neurocognitive function. We will examine how clinical levels of these latter traits are related to abnormalities in
the neural circuits involved in affective perspective taking, moral decision-making, and behavioral inhibition.
Normative neural responses for each of these processes have been well-characterized by our prior work. We
seek to differentiate between unique pathophysiological etiologies that contribute to specific behavioral
tendencies. We further aim to elucidate the modifying influence of early childhood trauma in these
neurocognitive domains. Understanding these differences will promote more sophisticated prevention and
intervention strategies that incorporate specific knowledge of neurocognitive vulnerabilities and remedial
approaches for improving long-range outcomes for individuals and for the public.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9831645
- **Project number:** 5R01MH114028-03
- **Recipient organization:** THE MIND RESEARCH NETWORK
- **Principal Investigator:** CARLA L. HARENSKI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $698,835
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-12-01 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9831645

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9831645, Socioemotional Processing and Aggression (5R01MH114028-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9831645. Licensed CC0.

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