The control of stress and violent behavior is 1 of the 15 priority areas addressed in the Public Health Service's Objectives for the Nation. The National Institute of Mental Health, which provides a national focus for the Federal effort to increase knowledge of, and promote effective strategies dealing with, issues associated with mental illness and mental health, has been designated the lead Federal agency in this priority area. The authors summarize progress achieved and further activities planned with respect to 10 objectives for control of stress and violent behavior that have been selected for Federal implementation. The objectives for control of stress include improved public and professional awareness of community agencies that can provide professional services, hotlines, and mutual support groups. The objectives for control of violent behavior address three major problems: deaths from homicide among young black males, suicide among the young, and child abuse. Achievement of several of the objectives is currently impeded by lack of a valid data base. Efforts have been initiated, both by individual agencies and through collaboration among the various participating Public Health Service components, to develop valid and reliable baseline data and surveillance procedures.