Behavioral Health

Poor social skills, emotional health issues, and behavioral health problems are on the rise among students in general education settings. Students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders, with learning disabilities, and those who experience acute or chronic trauma often face serious behavioral and academic challenges. Some sources estimate that about one-third of students fail to learn because of psychosocial problems that interfere with their ability to engage in instructional activities.

By evaluating school-based behavioral health interventions and professional development efforts, SRI provides high-quality evidence and actionable recommendations for improving students’ behavior and academic competencies. Our goal is to help district and school personnel develop supportive environments and implement effective strategies and policies that promote positive behavior, enhance protective factors, increase academic engagement, and improve academic performance.

Projects

high school students at graduation, throwing their hats in the air

SRI is evaluating the efficacy of a program promoting school success and completion for students at high risk of school failure and dropout.

scientist working at a computer

SRI is investigating novel methods and treatments to improve cognitive deficits caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and depression.

young girl reading a book

Through the Center, SRI conducted randomized trials of interventions for students with severe behavior problems in first through third grades.

smiling young student studying with other students

SRI and partners examined the effectiveness of this program designed to help at-risk children get off to the best possible start in school.

young man rests his head against his arm in front of a brick wall

SRI is evaluating the effectiveness of a school-based intervention program for students who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events.

twin boys

SRI established the Twin Research Registry as part of its scientific research and efforts to discover more about human behavior. Fraternal and identical twins and multiples of all ages are invited to join the Registry for consideration for research studies.

Press Releases

image of a mouse brain

Researchers from SRI’s Center for Neuroscience and Metabolic Diseases will use Inscopix’s nVista HD imaging system to gain a better understanding of normal brain function and the dysfunctions of neural circuitry that underlie neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Joseph Rogers

In his career, Rogers has focused on age-related neurologic diseases. He is best known for showing that inflammatory responses occur in almost all major age-related brain disorders and cause substantial damage, with his seminal paper in the area receiving nearly 1,200 citations to date.

writing on a math board

A new SRI-led study finds that people with autism spectrum disorders are significantly more likely to choose science majors, if they attend college.

SRI International, in partnership with University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Stanford University, is leading a three-year study of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), a school-based program that helps children cope with stress caused by exposure to trauma.