Aggressive behavior is a problem in any society. Knowing the factors that influence aggressive behavior as well as how aggression is expressed are vital to developing an understanding of it.
Definition
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aggression is defined as "a forceful action or procedure (as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master." Aggression is further defined as destructive, injurious, hostile and often caused by frustration.
Forms of Aggression
Aggression can manifest in several different forms. It can be physical, verbal or passive. Physical aggression is marked by defiance, hostility towards authority, fighting, abusing others and destruction of property. Verbal aggression and passive aggression are defined as communication designed to cause pain to another person. It may be name calling and nasty remarks, slamming a door or silence and sulking.
Children and Aggression
Like adults, children display aggression in many ways. Feelings of anger and frustration are often the underlying cause of aggression in children. Conflict over possessions, physical assault, teasing and taunting, rejecting peers and noncompliance are all signs of anger and aggression in children.
Mental Illness
There are multiple diagnoses of mental illness in which aggressive behaviors are a hallmark. Some of these diagnoses include Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder have also been linked to aggressive behavior. Symptoms of these disorders include bullying, intimidation, fights with peers, early truancy, poor relationships with peers, violating the rights of others and society's rules and labile emotions. Defiant and oppositional behavior is not always a sign of mental illness. It is normal at times for children and teens, but is considered a mental health problem when it is frequent.
Alcohol Abuse
Research has consistently linked alcohol abuse with aggression. Studies have shown a positive correlation between the amount of alcohol consumed and violent behavior. Potential risk factors for alcohol-related aggression are poor cognitive functioning, inaccurate expectations about the effects of alcohol, and participating in high risk situations. According to Geen (1990), alcohol-related aggression is increased by the presence of provocative or frustrating stimuli that are interpreted as malicious or arbitrary. Theories on alcohol and aggression suggest that individual differences, such as personality and biology, as well as situation and context, affect whether alcohol use results in aggressive behavior.
Tags: aggression children, aggression defined, aggressive behavior, alcohol-related aggression, Personality Disorder, with peers