Teenage Aggression

      WHAT IS AGGRESSION ?

      Aggression is defined as physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone 

      Further, aggression is distinguished into two types, i.e. hostile aggression – that springs from anger and whose goal is to injure others, and instrumental aggression – where aggression is used as a tool or a way to attain some other goal or aim, where primary factor motivating the individual is not to harm the other person.

      For instance, a teenager attacks one of his classmates, with a group of people, because he is angry with him for some behavior and wants to hurt him physically to take revenge on him. This can be defined as hostile aggression, which is impulsive and an emotional outburst. At the same time, a war situation can be termed as instrumental aggression as it is seen as a way to protect the national interest. 


      What makes children aggressive? 

      In an attempt to understand the causes of aggressive, psychologists have suggested some ideas. 

      Biological influences – it has been found that there are specific areas in brain that influence aggressive behaviors. Thus, when these areas are stimulated even a docile person can become enraged and violent.  

      Aggression as a response to frustration 

      Yes. Psychologists suggest that frustration produces anger, an emotional readiness to aggress. Thus, you may be unlikely to become upset if another car pulls out into traffic in front of you. However, if you are in a hurry to get to some work, you might honk angrily at the other driver. 

      Is aggression learned? 

      Where at one place it is suggested that instincts and frustration “push” aggression from within, it is also contended that learning “pulls” aggression out of us. 

      This implies that, by experience and by observing others, we learn that aggression often pays. A child whose aggressive acts successfully threaten other children is more likely to become increasingly aggressive, than someone who received a severe punishment in the very first place. 

      Also, aggressive behavior patterns are acquired by observing other people, including parent, teachers and peers, practice it. Thus, being in a company of a friend who picks up fight at the slightest provocation and then boasts of getting his way always, can make you learn that aggressive behavior pays and is appropriate in meeting the ends. Here the “macho” image is admired and aggression is readily transmitted. The aggressive, violent child becomes "cool" and one to be emulated.   

      Television – TV portrays considerable violence. Studies show that viewing violence breeds a modest increase in aggressive behavior through weakening the inhibitions of the viewers, through stimulating existing aggressive ideas and by reducing the viewers’ overall emotional sensitivity to violence.  

      Are you aware, many a times the talk between parents of 4-5 year olds is that they are always worried about their children watching too much TV. And the irony is that the parents discuss that it affects the eyes. They surprisingly do not talk about how the content is more harmful to the child. The kids watch the violence and sex that are not advisable frequently.This must be affecting them in some way ? 

      Groups  - Much aggression is committed by groups. Circumstances that provoke individuals may also provoke groups. By diffusing responsibility and polarizing actions, group situations amplify aggressive reactions. For example, it is easy and more likely for a group of school going boys to repeatedly harass or bully an insecure weak schoolboy, than one bully alone doing the act. 

      What to do? 

      Get    to  Know   your  child  -    communicate   with  him/her.    Try  to  look at   the World  from  their  standpoint.  Your  child  will  open  up  if  she / he  knows  that  you Understood  their  problems   in  their  environment   and   peer  group.     Once  they Know  that   you  acknowledge  their   problems – half  the  battle  is  won.  They  will Start  talking  to  you  -  provided    you  are

      • Not  judgemental
      • Do not start  off    with  “when   I  was  your  age… Stories.

      Remember  –  time  has  passed  -  years -  have   flown -  and  how  you  lived  and What  did  may  not  be relevant   in  their  world  today.
      Your   ace  is  that  somewhere  deep  in  their  hearts,  you  are  their   role   model. Be patient,  respect    and   love  your   child.

      Role of psychiatrists

      Children who show regular aggression must be consulted with the expert, as they should get regular counseling sessions and help. Also this could be a precursor of some other psychiatry dysfunction like conduct disorder. 

      Role of school

      To create an environment where positive behavior is enhanced. To avoid corporal punishment as it acts as a trigger of aggression, and to help children develop a good personality.

      Also to provide with experts from the filed of psychiatry to give them help and guidance. 


      Role of parents

      Train  your   teachers   to    empathies    with    the   children,   to  create   an  environment    where   positive    behaviour   is  enhanced.     To  avoid  corporal punishment  as  it  acts  as a trigger  of  aggression,  and to help  children develop a good  personality.   Encourage interaction  between  parents  and teachers – and  help  them  understand  that  if  they  cooperate  they  can work  wonders. The Counsellor  system  for  children  is  working   well  in  many  schools.