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Child and Adolescent Violence Research at NIH

© Sheri Wallace

This is a time of high concern about violent behavior by young people. As a nation, we are in a period of reflection as to what can be done to stem this tide. The NIMH is currently involved in a "taking stock" activity to guide research into the areas where questions exist, with a special emphasis on identifying when and how to intervene. Youth violence is a complex problem and will require complex solutions. There is a natural desire to develop a "child violence" profile, but this not only risks a negative label on a child, but also risks missing the quiet, troubled child with a series of problems, who may actually become the most violent.

The NIMH has gathered information about risk factors, experiences, and processes that are related to the development of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior, including mental health problems - particularly depression and externalizing behavior - associated with childhood and adolescence.

NIMH research points to the importance of a nurturing social environment in childhood, good early education, and success in academic areas. It has been learned that the influence of peers, whether positive or negative, is of critical importance. Research also suggests that current policies and approaches which group or house troubled adolescents together may be the wrong approach, and it is clear that there are no quick, inexpensive answers.

Each research finding suggests possible interventions that in turn need to be studied. Some proposed interventions have been found to actually increase the negative behavior and so due care must be taken. This overview highlights what is known about risk factors for the development of antisocial and problem behavior, and the often underutilized early prevention and intervention strategies.

An NIMH Snapshot

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is one of 25 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Government's principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The actual total fiscal year 1999 NIMH budget was $859 million.

NIMH Mission

To reduce the burden of mental illness through research on mind, brain, and behavior.

How Does the Institute Carry Out Its Mission?

NIMH conducts research on mental disorders and the underlying basic science of brain and behavior. NIMH supports research on these topics at universities and hospitals around the United States. NIMH collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on the causes, occurrence, and treatment of mental illnesses. NIMH supports the training of more than 1,000 scientists to carry out basic and clinical research.

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