Enrico Mezzacappa's research examines the interaction of social factors and executive function (regulation of goal-directed behaviors) in the development of aggressive behaviors. The areas of investigation involved in this research include assessment of growth and change in executive function, and how the development of executive function is shaped by the home environment and parenting practices.

His long-term aim is to understand normative and pathological development of basic cognitive processes central to prosocial behavior. To this end, he is currently conducting longitudinal studies from infancy through adolescence, within the context of the landmark Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods study.