Aggressive Behavior In Children

Aggressive behavior in children and behavioral disorders are the most common problem in mental health consultations for children and adolescents. This is especially true for boys, reaching rates that vary between 35 and 50 percent.

Without going very far, the news recently recounted the case of a  young man who stabbed his mother because the internet was not working at home. This is a particularly serious case of aggression because of its consequences. The most frequent cases are generally less so. However, they are still worrying.

Indeed, it is inevitable to ask whether social concern responds to a real increase in the frequency and severity of antisocial behavior. A reflection of this seriousness is found in the aggressive behaviors manifested in the family context.

It is surprising how early aggressive behavior appears in children. And how lacking the tools allowing parents to redirect them. Parents claim that they cannot control their four and five year old children despite being verbally and physically assaulted.

The explanation for aggressive behavior in children is complex. It cannot be sought only in concrete cause and effect relationships or in individual or family factors. It has to be seen in a broader context. This framework gives way to macrosocial variables, on which most prevention programs are based. The reality is that this analysis is not straightforward.

Suffice it to say that social changes have taken place in recent decades. These changes reflect the values ​​and beliefs inherent in styles of education. Also, these changes may have contributed to the problem.

What do we mean by infantile aggression?

The word aggressiveness derives from the Latin “agredi”, which means “to attack”. Attacking or assaulting involves someone being determined to impose their will on another person or object, threatening to cause or causing physical or psychological harm.

In the case of children, assault tends to occur in a direct way, such as a violent act against a person. This act of violence can be physical (kicking, pushing, pinching…).

The act of violence can also be verbal, such as insults, swearing or threats. Another form of aggression would be when the child attacks the objects of people who oppose his desires.

The development of aggression in children

Aggressive behavior and antisocial behavior are sort of overlapping, but they are different entities. We also know that when aggressive behavior in children is stable enough, we can predict antisocial behavior during adolescence.

On the other hand, many factors influence behavior. One of these factors is found in the genes. Variation in serotonin levels has been associated with aggressive behavior. Interactions between parental abuse and monoamine oxidase (MAO A) levels have also been brought to light.

In addition to genetic determinants, there are other aspects that influence children’s aggression. These aspects refer, for example, to parents who try to impose  very strong discipline, resorting to violence on a recurring basis.

Child and youth abuse is associated with aggression and antisocial behavior. However, we must be clear that not all abused children victimize others as they grow up.

There are also other factors that can be associated with aggression. These factors may be the mother’s age, the family’s social adaptability, alterations such as attention deficit, the child’s temperament, the type of relationship between parents and children, lack of family cohesion and repression, among others.

The importance of the family in the aggressive behavior of children

The family is, during childhood, the context which has the most influence on the child. Interactions between parents and children shape aggressive behavior, especially when it comes to dealing with the consequences of such behavior.

The problem with this is that  the child can generalize what he has learned about the usefulness of aggression,  somehow believing that his parents use it validates it as an instrument to achieve whatever he wants, even with people he loves.

The  kind of discipline parents exercise over their children is also very important. Aggressive behavior in children is especially favored by a combination of relaxed and undemanding discipleship with hostile attitudes on the part of parents.

Those who are undemanding always do what the child wants, by acceding to his requests. They apparently give it a great deal of freedom. But when the child does something they don’t like, they overreact. This lack of coherence ends up settling in a certain way in the child. Disoriented, he then tends to imitate the disproportionate behavior of parents when something does not please him.

Inconsistency in parental behavior also influences aggressive behavior in children

Inconsistency in parental behavior occurs when parents disapprove of aggression and  punish  when it occurs, becoming the aggressors. Parents who stop the assault with means other than punishment will be less likely to encourage aggressive actions in their children.

This inconsistency can also occur when parents punish the child for hitting another and on other occasions ignore him and do not punish him. In other words, they are not providing them with consistent guidelines.

Treatment of aggressive behavior in children

The treatment of aggressive behavior in children is not just about reducing or eliminating such behavior. We also need to establish and encourage alternative behaviors.

There are several methods we can use for this purpose. Among them stand out the procedures for checking the antecedents of aggressive behavior. Modeling of non-aggressive behavior. Reduction of aversive stimulation. And control of the consequences.

In addition, parenting school  (teaching parents about children’s characteristics or techniques for modifying their children’s behavior, for example)  is a fundamental part  of a program aimed at eliminating aggressive behavior in children.

As we have seen, aggressive behavior in children is a worrying fact that is only on the rise. The role of the family, especially that of parents, is crucial in dealing with these behaviors. A specialized psychologist can help families who are facing this problem enormously.

Our thoughts

It is normal that we care about the education we provide. The world is changing and so are the rules we impose on our children.