Aggressive behavior: from laboratory to clinic. Quo vadit?

This article sets forth two theses: (1) that animal models of aggressive behavior have utility in fostering and guiding human aggression research; and (2) that clinical violence research should now focus on the severely and repetitively aggressive patients for study and therapeutic research. Animal models are reviewed in terms of typology; studies of temperament; the role of sensory cues; neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and neuroendocrinology; studies of stress; and studies of social conditions. Examples are presented that have implications and potential utility for human research. Clinical approaches to the study of human aggressive behavior are examined and five suggestions are made to enhance the efficacy and utility of clinically relevant aggression research.