Aggression. Children's aggression: advice from a psychologist

Facts of violence in which harm is caused to specific individuals are called aggression. Every day a person either personally or hears from others about how they have been treated poorly.

If we talk about the moral side of this issue, then aggressive behavior is considered bad, evil, unacceptable. But why does a person allow himself to get angry and hurt himself or others?

What is Aggression?

What is aggression? There are many opinions about what aggression is. Some say that aggression is an instinctive reaction and manifestation of a person. Others argue that aggression is caused by frustration - the desire to discharge. Still others point out that aggression is a social phenomenon when a person learns it from others or is influenced by negative past experiences.

In psychology, aggression is understood as destructive behavior in which a person causes physical harm or creates psychological discomfort to other people. Psychiatry views aggression as a person’s desire to protect himself from an unpleasant and traumatic situation. Aggression is also understood as a way of self-affirmation.

Aggressive behavior is considered to be directed towards a living object. However, the psychological help website claims that smashing dishes or walls can soon develop into violence against living beings. Aggression is often equated with rage, anger or anger. However, an aggressive person does not always experience emotions. There are cold-blooded people who become aggressive under the influence of their prejudices, beliefs or views.

What reasons push a person to such behavior? Anger can be directed both at other people and at oneself. The reasons may be different, as well as the forms of manifestation of aggression. Each case is individual. Psychologists note something else: it is important to be able to cope with one’s own aggression, which manifests itself in every person. If someone needs help, they can get it. This is what a psychological help site does, a site where a person can not only read useful information, but also work through his negative aspects, which often interfere with building favorable relationships with others.

Display of aggression

Aggression manifests itself in different ways. Depending on the goal that is achieved by aggressive actions and the methods of the actions committed, aggression can be benign and malignant:

1. Benign aggression refers to courage, courage, ambition, perseverance, and bravery.
2. Malignant aggression refers to violence, rudeness, and cruelty.

Every living creature is aggressive. Every organism contains genes that allow it to show aggression for the sake of survival, to save itself from death. Thus, there is defensive aggression, which occurs at the moment of danger. All living beings have it. When a living organism is in danger, it becomes decisive, runs away, attacks, and defends itself.

In contrast to this aggression, there is a destructive one, which is inherent only to humans. It has no meaning or purpose. It arises only on the basis of the emotions, feelings, thoughts of a person who simply did not like something.

There is another manifestation of aggression – pseudo-aggression. It occurs in situations where a person must make every effort to achieve a goal. For example, during competition, athletes become aggressive to give themselves energy and motivation.

A special manifestation of aggression, which is inherent in all living beings, is the desire to survive. When there is not enough food, there is no intimacy, there is no protection, then the body becomes aggressive. Everything is aimed at survival, which often involves infringement of the boundaries and freedom of other living beings.

Anyone can become aggressive. Often the strong provoke the weak, who then also look for weaker individuals in order to take it out on them. There is no defense against aggression. In everyone it manifests itself as a reaction to an external stimulus. Both the one who caused it and the one who simply came into contact can become a victim of aggression.

The manifestation of aggression is an expression of dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction. It can be either open, when a person knocks on the table or constantly nags, or hidden - periodic nagging.

Types of aggression

As we consider aggression, we can distinguish its types:

• Physical, when force is used and specific harm is caused to the body.
• Indirect, when irritation is expressed towards another person.
• Resistance to established laws and morals.
• Verbal, when a person verbally shows aggression: screams, threatens, blackmails, etc.
• Envy, hatred, resentment for unfulfilled dreams.
• Suspicion, which manifests itself in distrust of persons when it seems that they are planning something bad.
• Feelings of guilt that arise from the thought that a person is bad.
• Direct – spreading gossip.
• Directed (there is a goal) and disordered (random passers-by become victims).
• Active or passive (“putting spokes in the wheels”).
• Auto-aggression is hatred towards oneself.
• Heteroaggression – anger is directed towards others: violence, threats, murder, etc.
• Instrumental, when aggression is used as a method of achieving a goal.
• Reactive, when it manifests itself as a reaction to some external stimulus.
• Spontaneous, when it manifests itself without good reason. Often occurs as a consequence of internal phenomena, for example, mental illness.
• Motivational (targeted), which is done consciously for the purpose of intentionally causing damage and pain.
• Expressive when it manifests itself in facial expressions, gestures, and a person’s voice. His words and actions do not express aggression, but his body position and tone of voice indicate otherwise.

It's human nature to get angry. And the most important question that worries everyone who has become a victim of someone else’s aggression is why they yelled at him, beat him up, etc.? Everyone is concerned about the reasons for aggressive behavior, especially if the aggressor has not explained anything. And how different aggression can be has already been discussed.

Causes of aggression

There are many reasons for aggressive behavior. Aggression can be different and happens in different situations, so you often need to look at the complex of everything that happens in order to understand the motives of a person’s actions.

1. Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.). Under the influence of drugs, a person cannot adequately respond to a specific situation.
2. Personal problems that are associated with dissatisfaction in personal relationships, intimacy, loneliness, etc. Any mention of this problem causes a negative reaction.
3. Mental traumas of childhood. Developed neurosis against the background of dysfunctional relationships with parents.
4. Authoritarian and strict education that develops internal aggression.
5. Watching films and programs where the topic of violence is actively discussed.
6. Inadequate rest, overwork.

Aggression may be a symptom of a serious illness that is often associated with damage to the brain:

• Schizophrenia.
• Encephalitis.
• Neurasthenia.
• Meningitis.
• Epileptoid psychopathy, etc.

Public influence should not be excluded. Religious movements, propaganda, racial hatred, morality, images of politicians or strong personalities who are aggressive develop a similar quality in observers.

Often people who cause harm refer to a bad mood or even a mental disorder. In fact, only 12% of all aggressive people are mentally ill. Other individuals show their negative emotions as a result of an incorrect reaction to what is happening, as well as a lack of self-control.

Aggression is noted as a person’s dissatisfaction with life in general or a specific case in particular. Accordingly, the main reason is dissatisfaction, which a person does not eliminate through favorable actions.

Verbal aggression

Almost everyone has encountered this form of aggression. Verbal aggression is the most common and obvious. Firstly, the tone of the speaker’s voice changes: he starts shouting, raises his voice, and makes it ruder. Secondly, the context of what is being said changes.

Psychologists have noted many forms of verbal aggression. In everyday life, a person encounters the following manifestations:

1. Insults, threats, blackmail.
2. Slander, spreading gossip.
3. Silence in response to a person’s questions, refusal to communicate, ignoring cues.
4. Refusing to defend another person who is being criticized.

The question still remains whether silence is a way of aggression. There is no clear answer here. It all depends on the reasons for the silence of the person who performs this action. If silence occurs with accompanying aggressive emotions, anger, and reluctance to speak because it can be rude, then we are talking about verbal aggression of a passive nature. However, if a person is silent because he did not hear or is not interested in the topic of the conversation, therefore he wants to transfer it to another topic, remains calm and in a friendly mood, then there is no question of any aggression.

Due to the social system and morality, which punishes anyone who shows physical aggression, people are forced to use the only way to express it - words. Open aggression is expressed in specific threats, insults and humiliation of the personality of another. Hidden aggression manifests itself through persecution and pressure on a person, for example, by spreading gossip. Although these types of verbal aggression are unacceptable, a person is not deprived of freedom for them. That's why people continue to use this form as a way of communicating with those with whom they are dissatisfied.

Speech aggression

Let us dwell directly on the verbal form of manifestation of aggression, which is the most common in society. Speech aggression manifests itself in curses, negative assessments (criticism), offensive words, obscene speech, mocking intonation, crude irony, indecent allusions, and a raised voice.

What the aggressor does causes irritation and indignation. Aggression of both the first and second interlocutor arises on the basis of negative emotions that arise immediately or after some time. Some people immediately say what outrages them, others only after a while begin to show their aggression in various ways towards those who humiliated or insulted them.

Often, verbal aggression is a consequence of a person’s hostility towards a certain group of people. For example, low social status can provoke an individual’s hostile attitude towards those with whom he communicates. Such a confrontation is possible both in an ascending hierarchy and in a descending one. For example, hidden aggression is often manifested by subordinates towards the boss and by the boss towards subordinates. Subordinates often feel jealous of the leadership's high position, as well as its commanding tone. A boss may hate his subordinates because he considers them stupid, weak, inferior creatures.

Rarely, the causes of speech aggression are upbringing, mental characteristics, or a breakdown.

Undoubtedly, society is considering the issue of not only extinguishing negative emotions when they arise, but also preventing conflicts with people who show anger. It should be understood that sometimes aggression is acceptable because it helps achieve certain goals, such as suppressing the enemy. However, this method should not be used as a universal one.

Approaches to aggression

Scientists from various fields of science are considering approaches to aggression. For each representative it means something different. The normative approach perceives aggression as destructive behavior that does not correspond to the moral and ethical standards of society. The criminal approach also considers aggression as an act of unlawful behavior that is aimed at causing physical and moral harm to a living object.

• The depth psychological approach perceives aggressive behavior as instinctive, inherent in all living beings.
• The goal-directed approach perceives aggression as a goal-directed action. From the point of view of achieving goals, evolution, adaptation, appropriation of important resources, dominance.
• Schwab and Koeroglow view aggressive behavior as a person’s desire to establish the integrity of his life. When it is violated, a person becomes aggressive.
• Kaufma views aggression as a way of acquiring resources necessary for life, which is dictated by the natural need for survival.
• Erich Fromm viewed aggressive behavior as a desire to dominate and dominate living beings.
• Wilson characterized the aggressive nature of a person as the desire to eliminate the actions of another subject who, by his actions, infringes on his freedom or genetic survival.
• Matsumoto noted aggression as an act that causes pain and physical or mental harm to another individual.
• Shcherbina characterized verbal aggression as a verbal manifestation of feelings, intentions and desires towards another person.
• Cognitive theory considers aggression as a way of learning to contact a person with external factors.
• Other theories combine the above concepts to understand the nature of aggressive behavior.

Forms of aggression

Erich Fromm identified the following forms of aggression:

• Reactive. When a person realizes that his freedom, life, dignity or property is in danger, he becomes aggressive. Here he can defend himself, take revenge, be jealous, envy, be disappointed, etc.
• Archaic bloodlust.
• Gaming. Sometimes a person just wants to show his dexterity and skills. It is at this moment that he can resort to malicious jokes, mockery, and sarcasm. There is no hatred or anger here. A person is simply playing at something that may irritate his interlocutor.
• Compensatory (malignant). It is a manifestation of destructiveness, violence, cruelty, which helps a person make his life complete, not boring, and fulfilling.

A person who becomes aggressive has the following characteristics:

1. Sensitivity, vulnerability, acute experience of discomfort.
2. Impulsiveness.
3. Absent-mindedness, which leads to emotional aggressiveness, and thoughtfulness, which provokes instrumental aggressiveness.
4. Hostile interpretation of what is happening.

A person is not able to completely get rid of his aggression, because sometimes it is useful and necessary. It is here that he allows himself to show his nature. Only a person who knows how to control his emotions (without suppressing them) is able to live fully. Aggression only rarely becomes constructive compared to those episodes when it is used in full force.

Teenage aggression

Quite often, psychologists note aggression in childhood. It becomes very bright during adolescence. It is this stage that becomes the most emotional. Teenage aggression can manifest itself towards anyone: peers, parents, animals, younger children. A common cause of aggression is self-affirmation. Showing strength in an aggressive manner seems to be a sign of greatness and power.

Adolescent aggression is a deliberate action aimed at causing harm. Remaining frequent are cases where three parties are involved:

1. The aggressor is a teenager himself.
2. The victim is the person at whom the teenager’s aggression is directed.
3. Spectators are people who can become bystanders or provocateurs that cause aggression in a teenager. They do not participate in the process of manifestation of aggression, but only observe what the aggressor and his victim do.

Teenagers of different genders show aggression in the following ways:

• The boys tease, trip, fight, and kick.
• Girls boycott, gossip, and get offended.

The location and age of the aggressor does not matter, since this emotion manifests itself at any time from an early age.

Psychologists explain teenage aggression by the changes that occur during puberty. A former child who has not yet become an adult is afraid of the future, is not ready for responsibility and independence, and does not know how to control his emotional experiences. Relationships with parents, as well as the influence of the media, play a significant role here.

Here are the following types of aggressive teenagers:

1. Hyperactive, who grew up in a family where everything was allowed to him.
2. Touchy, characterized by vulnerability and irritability.
3. Oppositional defiant, who demonstratively opposes people whom he does not consider his authority.
4. Aggressive-fearful, in which fears and suspicion are manifested.
5. Aggressively insensitive, who does not have sympathy or empathy.

Male aggression

Men are often the benchmarks of aggression. It seems that women should not be as aggressive as men. However, this feeling is common to everyone. Male aggression often manifests itself in open form. At the same time, the stronger sex does not experience feelings of guilt and anxiety. For them, this emotion is a kind of companion that helps them achieve goals and form a special model of behavior.

Scientists have put forward a theory that male aggression is a genetic factor. In all centuries, men had to conquer territories and lands, wage wars, protect their families, etc. At the same time, representatives of the weaker sex note this quality, which manifests itself in dominance and leadership, as attractive to them.

A modern man has many reasons why aggression manifests itself in him:

• Dissatisfaction with one's social and financial situation.
• Lack of culture of behavior.
• Lack of self-confidence.
• Lack of other forms of manifestation of one’s independence and strength.

In the current situation, when a man is required to be financially wealthy and successful, while there are practically no opportunities to achieve these statuses, the stronger sex has a high level of anxiety. Every time society reminds a man in various ways of how untenable he is. This is often reinforced by an unsettled personal life or lack of sexual relationships with women.

Men are trained to keep their experiences to themselves. However, aggression comes out, which is a consequence of unsettled life. It is difficult for a man to use all his capabilities in a world where he should be cultured and friendly, since anger and rage are often punished.

Women's aggression

Aggression is often associated with masculine behavior. However, women are also prone to dissatisfaction, which simply manifests itself in slightly different forms. Being a weaker creature than a man, a woman tries to express her aggression a little softly. If the victim seems strong or equal in strength, then the woman's aggression is moderate. If we are talking about a child at whom aggression is directed, then the woman may not restrain herself.

Being a more emotional and social creature, a woman is prone to displaying soft or hidden aggression. Women become more aggressive in old age. Psychologists associate this with dementia and negative character deterioration. At the same time, a woman’s satisfaction with her own life remains important. If she is dissatisfied, unhappy, then her internal tension increases.

Often a woman’s aggressiveness is associated with internal tension and emotional outbursts. A woman, no less than a man, is subject to various restrictions and obligations. She must start a family and give birth to children, always be beautiful and kind. If a woman does not have good reasons for kindness, a man for starting a family and having children, or physiological data for achieving beauty, this significantly oppresses her.

The cause of female aggression is often:

• Hormonal imbalance.
• Mental disorders.
• Childhood traumas, hostility towards mother.
• Negative experiences with contacts with the opposite sex.

A woman is made dependent on a man from childhood. She must be “married.” And when relationships with the opposite sex do not work out, which is common in modern society, this causes internal tension and dissatisfaction.

Aggression in older people

The most unpleasant and sometimes incomprehensible phenomenon is aggression in older people. Children are raised to “respect their elders” because they are smarter and wiser. Their knowledge helps the world become a better place. However, older people are practically no different from their younger counterparts. Aggression by older people becomes a weak quality that does not inspire respect.

The reason for the aggressiveness of older people is a change in life as a result of social degradation. When a person retires, he loses his previous activity. Here memory decreases, health deteriorates, and the meaning of life is lost. An elderly person feels forgotten, unwanted, lonely. If this is reinforced by a poor existence and lack of interests and hobbies, then the elderly person either becomes depressed or becomes aggressive.

We can call aggression by older people a way of communicating with others, a method of attracting attention to themselves. Here are the following forms of aggression:

1. Grumpiness.
2. Irritability.
3. Opposition to everything new.
4. Protest attitude.
5. Groundless accusations and insults.
6. High propensity for conflicts.

The main problem of older people is loneliness, especially after the death of one of the spouses. If children do not pay much attention to the elderly person, then he feels acute loneliness.

Degeneration or infection of brain cells also affects behavior changes at any age. Since these phenomena mostly occur in old age, doctors first rule out brain diseases as the cause of aggression.

Husband's aggression

In love relationships, the most discussed topic is the aggressiveness of husbands. Because women express their despotism differently, flamboyant displays of male aggression become commonplace. The causes of conflicts and quarrels in the family are:

1. Unequal distribution of responsibilities.
2. Dissatisfaction with intimate relationships.
3. Different understandings of the rights and responsibilities of spouses.
4. Not meeting your needs in relationships.
5. Unequal contribution of both parties to the relationship.
6. Lack of significance and value of a person as a partner.
7. Financial difficulties.
8. Inability to solve all emerging problems, their accumulation and periodic disputes because of them.

Many problems can cause aggression in a husband, but the most important are social status, financial wealth and sexual satisfaction. If a man is not satisfied in all plans, then he habitually looks for someone to blame - his wife. She is not sexy enough to want, does not inspire him to make money, does not become his support, etc.

A dissatisfied and insecure man begins to find fault, quarrel, point, and command a woman. In this way he tries to normalize his inferior life. If we analyze the situation, it turns out that aggression in husbands arises on the basis of their complexes and inadequacy, and not because of their wives.

The mistake women with aggressive husbands make is that they try to improve the relationship. It is the husbands who must correct the situation, not the women. Here wives make the following mistakes:

• They talk about their hopes and fears, which further convinces their husbands that they are weak.
• They share their plans, which gives their husbands another reason to criticize them.
• They share their successes, expecting their husbands to rejoice at them.
• They try to find common topics for conversation, but are faced with silence and coldness.

Treatment of aggression

The treatment of aggression does not mean medicinal elimination of the problem, but psychological one. Only in rare cases are tranquilizers and antidepressants used, which can calm the nervous system. However, a person will never completely get rid of aggressive behavior. Therefore, the treatment of aggression means developing skills to control it and understand the current situation.

If aggression is directed at you, you must understand that you are not obliged to tolerate attacks. Even if we are talking about your husband/wife or children, you still remain a person who has the right to be treated with kindness and care. The situation becomes especially painful when it comes to aggressive behavior of parents towards children. This is a situation in which the victim is almost never able to resist the pressure.

No one is obliged to endure other people's attacks. Therefore, if you become the object of someone’s aggression, you can safely fight back by any means. If you yourself are an aggressor, then this problem is yours personally. Here it is necessary to carry out exercises to eliminate one’s own aggressiveness.

Firstly, the causes of the aggression should be recognized. Nothing happens for nothing. Even mentally ill people have reasons to be aggressive. What moment was the trigger that made you feel angry? After realizing the cause of your negative emotions, you should take steps to change your attitude towards the situation.

The second point is that the reason must be devalued or eliminated. If you need to change your personal attitude towards a situation, then you should do it; If you need to solve a problem (for example, eliminate dissatisfaction), then you should make an effort and be patient.

You should not fight your own aggression, but understand the reasons for its occurrence, since eliminating these reasons allows you to cope with any negative emotions.

Forecast

The result of any emotion is a certain event that becomes decisive. Anything can be a predictor of the consequences of aggression:

1. Losing connections with good people.
2. Divorce or separation from a loved one.
3. Dismissal from work.
4. Unsettled life.
5. Lack of support from important people.
6. Lack of understanding.
7. Loneliness, etc.

In some cases, the question even arises about the life expectancy of the person who enters into conflict. When physical violence occurs in the family or in the company of hooligans, it can result in death.

If a person does not try to control his aggressive impulses, he will face various negative consequences. His environment will consist only of people who should not be trusted. Only an aggressive person can be close to the same aggressor.

The consequences of controlling one's own aggression can be successful. Firstly, a person will not spoil relationships with those who are dear to him. I really want to throw out my emotions and show my character. However, if you understand what the consequences may be, it is better to prevent an undesirable outcome.

Secondly, a person can channel aggression into a constructive direction. You cannot get rid of this emotion, but you can subjugate it. For example, aggression is good when a person is dissatisfied with an unachieved goal. In this case, he wants to make every effort to realize his plans.

If a person cannot cope with his aggression on his own, then he should consult a psychologist. He will help you find the right answers to your questions, as well as develop a behavior strategy that will help you pacify aggression and take the right actions in the right situations.

Aggression is a stable personality characteristic, in the presence of which a person is inclined to cause harm to objects around him. Aggression also manifests itself through the expression of negative emotions: anger, rage, anger, directed at external objects and objects. Not everyone understands why a person cannot restrain his rage, or why child abuse and family violence occur. The culprit is aggression, which is manifested by a stable characterological personality trait called aggressiveness.

Aggression manifests itself in different ways, it all depends on the degree of irritation of a person, his character traits and the situation. There are several manifestations of this behavior, which we will consider in detail.

All types are based on several motives of human behavior: aggression arises as a result of the desire to achieve one’s goal (and someone or something interferes with this), the need to psychologically unload, the need to assert oneself.

Reasons for this behavior

Aggression in a person does not develop immediately. There are theories that say that this character trait is inherent in all living beings. In some ways this is true. When a person has to defend himself from danger, he begins to behave aggressively.

But what is important here is the difference between a personality trait and aggression, as a defensive, unintentional action. But many scientists agree that from birth a person does not have aggression; he learns a model of such behavior over the course of his life, depending on the social situation around him.

There are several reasons for aggression:

Aggression in psychology is understood as a socio-psychological phenomenon and does not relate to mental pathologies. According to the results of the study, this behavior occurs subjectively in healthy people in the presence of psychological problems. For example, someone wants to take revenge, someone grew up in this and does not know other models of behavior, others are participants in some extremist movements, some are instilled with the cult of aggression as strength and courage.

Patients with mental illness do not always show aggression. There is evidence that only about 10% of people who cause mental or physical harm to others have mental illness. In other cases, such actions are dictated by psychosis, an exaggerated reaction to current events. In most cases, aggressive behavior is a desire to dominate.

Risk factors for aggression

Not every person will show aggression at the slightest traumatic situation. There are some features of the external situation and its internal perception that lead to damaging and destructive behavior.

Rather, a destructive model of behavior is formed in people prone to impulsiveness, who perceive everything very emotionally, as a result of which they develop a feeling of discomfort and dissatisfaction. When absent-minded, there is a possibility of emotional aggressiveness. If a person is thoughtful, he can make plans on how to show instrumental aggression.

Psychologists have proven that when a person’s basic values ​​are threatened, he becomes aggressive. Thus, it can be argued that any acutely unmet need in any person can lead to this destructive pattern of behavior.

Aggression often occurs when moral defense against stress is weak. With an increased level of anxiety, the likelihood of aggression is also high. An excess of negative emotions in early childhood leads to such patterns. Trying to free himself from the authoritarianism of significant people (parents, leaders of small groups of which the individual is a member), the child has only one choice - to behave aggressively. Success after such behavior consolidates in his mind as a positive moment, the skill of self-affirmation through aggression is formed.

The reasons for the desire to cause moral or physical harm to another, or to oneself, may be irritation of the nerve centers located in the area of ​​the diencephalon.

How to see the manifestation of aggressive behavior?

Some scientists divide aggression into benign and malignant. Benign is a manifestation of courage, perseverance, and ambition. In general, in order to achieve good results in work and career, manifestations of such aggression are even encouraged. But unconstructive, malignant aggressiveness represents a conscious intent to cause harm. This can be seen through the manifestation of such traits as rudeness, cruelty, and violence. Passions, negative emotions and feelings rage within a person.

The manifestations of aggression in men and women are slightly different. Men are characterized by a bright emotional outburst with a physical impact on an object, not necessarily the same one that caused the reaction. This is hitting the table, hitting the wall, waving your arms, stomping. In women, aggression manifests itself through discontent and periodic complaints about life. In this state, women are characterized by constant “nagling” of their husband, gossip, and any unfounded conclusions that carry negative consequences.

Often a person does not realize that he is showing aggression. In this case, we are talking about indirect aggression; he is prone to being picky towards an individual or family. After nagging and realizing that some needs are not met, he moves on to manifestations of verbal aggression: raising his voice, shouting, humiliation and insults, causing psychological harm to the interlocutor.

Ignoring is also considered a manifestation of aggression. Boycott has long been considered one of the effective tortures of a person, since he could not enter into dialogue and felt lonely, flawed and unwanted. Ignoring causes self-flagellation, guilt, that is, auto-aggression. A person punishes himself in this way.

Manifestation of childhood aggressiveness

The manifestation of aggressiveness is much more noticeable in children. They do not know how to hide their emotions. Of course, it is good that negative emotions do not accumulate, but in such a state it is difficult for little aggressors to control themselves. Aggression in such children manifests itself through biting, pushing, hitting, threats, and negative actions. We can say that in children there are two main types of manifestation of the desire to cause harm to someone: physical and verbal aggression.

In adolescents, aggressive behavior is expressed somewhat differently and the mechanisms of its occurrence change slightly. Adolescents are more prone to verbal aggression; when aggressive, physical actions are more cruel, cause more damage, and border on criminality.

The psychological reasons for the manifestation of this condition are the transition from childhood to adulthood, dissatisfaction with the need for acceptance and love, and the unknown of independent life. Physiological changes also occur, which at the hormonal level can cause aggression.

Treatment, correction of aggressive behavior

As you know, non-physiological reasons for the appearance of aggression lie in the environment, family situation, and upbringing. In the case of preclinical aggression, that is, arising for psychological reasons, methods of psychological correction of the behavior of children, parents and adults are used.

In cases of damage to brain structures, hypertrophied psychological aggression, and complex cases of emotional and volitional disorders, drug treatment is necessary.

Psychotherapy to overcome aggression

Aggression develops in a child at a young age, and this behavior, if uncorrected, accompanies a person into adulthood. It is important for parents to know in what cases their child will repress negative emotions, which will become the beginning of aggressive behavior:

Depending on the listed factors, psychotherapeutic methods for correcting aggression are used. A cognitive-behavioral, rational approach to problem solving is often used. The doctor helps a person, a child, learn constructive dialogue with interlocutors, socially adapted behavior, and discharging negative emotions in socially acceptable ways.

Aggression in its brightest manifestations is dangerous for society; the task of a psychotherapist is to teach a person to cope with emotions and work through internal problems - the reasons for such behavior. Psychoanalysis or its variations are also used for this. Methods for analyzing psychological trauma in childhood, removing blocks from the subconscious and developing psychological defense mechanisms help a person solve a problem that has been nurturing for years. Aggression does not disappear immediately after such an analysis. There should be someone nearby who will pay attention to unacceptable emotional reactions. He and the patient’s entourage must show their attention and love for the patient.

Drug treatment

Aggression provoked by physiological reasons can be treated with medications. Pharmacotherapy depends on the underlying clinical disease; especially long-term medications should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are effective in treating manifestations of this behavior; second-generation antipsychotic drugs are also used. Some drugs are used sublingually, while others work more effectively through intramuscular or intravenous injections.

We are all used to discussing male aggression and how to deal with it. Many are concerned about the problem of the growth of children's aggression in our difficult times. Do women really not show any aggression? Of course, this is not so, and women can also be quite aggressive, but they often justify their behavior by saying that it is self-defense from aggressive men, fatigue and an unfavorable external environment.

But female aggression is not always self-defense. Very often, women are led by their emotions and, instead of solving the problem, simply take out their anger on their husband or children. This leads to the formation of an unfavorable microclimate in the family and can destroy it, as well as become a source of psychological discomfort for children and a source of problems in future socialization.

Why does female aggression occur?

Usually the main cause, as well as the consequence, of female aggression is misunderstanding and powerlessness. If a woman feels that she cannot express herself, cannot solve the accumulated problems and does not have any support on the way to solving them, this can provoke an emotional explosion, an outbreak of aggression towards loved ones, for example, her husband or children.

Don’t think that this is something out of the ordinary - aggression is a normal reaction of the body, it activates forces and gives energy to solve problems, although not always in a constructive way. Often aggression helps to defend against a threat and overcome an obstacle, but only if its energy is directed in the right direction. But aggression can be a positive phenomenon only if it is aimed at solving a problem and has a short-term manifestation.

If aggression becomes a constant companion, and it begins to periodically “break down” on family members, this indicates that such aggression is unconstructive. Most likely, its cause is chronic fatigue. This is especially true for residents of megacities - constant noise, a busy pace of life, plus minor troubles in the family force a woman to constantly be captive of negative emotions, which periodically spill out on loved ones.

Another reason for female aggression, especially for women who are on maternity leave, is a lack of communication and opportunities for self-expression. A woman begins to feel like a service staff working for her child and husband, so she gradually accumulates a negative attitude towards them and sooner or later it can spill out.

Female aggression is the path to loneliness and self-destruction

The main difference between female aggression and male aggression is the absence of direct physical impact.. Men are more likely to act with physical force, while women are more likely to attack emotionally or verbally. Typically, women shout at children, shout at men, break dishes or home decoration less often, and physically beat them even less often.

At the same time, most women justify their aggression by unfair treatment of them, lack of money, attention or time. Very often, women use obscene language or phrases like “I would kill”, “I wish you would die”, etc. to express their feelings. This does not mean that she is ready to kill physically; rather, it is a sign of aggressive impotence.

A woman in this state is weak and vulnerable, because she cannot solve the problem and replaces its solution with an outburst of aggression. If a way to solve the problem that led to aggression is not found, such behavior can become habitual and gradually the woman herself, having become accustomed as much as possible to discomfort, begins to consider her life normal. Aggression becomes the norm of family life. Often children in such families also grow up to be aggressive.

What are the consequences of a woman’s constant aggression? There are many of them, and the first is problems in finding a life partner, since men feel the “aroma of aggression” on a subconscious level. The second is the appearance of wrinkles - “masks of aggression”. Third, problems with blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the increase in female aggression by any means.

How to avoid an outburst of aggression

To avoid a surge of aggression, the woman herself needs to control her emotional state, because no one will understand her feelings better than she herself. If you feel that tension is increasing, immediately analyze the reasons for this increase. Remember, a person who is satisfied with life is not enraged by a dirty cup near the computer; if such little things begin to irritate you, you need to take care of your psychological comfort.

The first thing to do is take a break. Perhaps you just didn’t get enough sleep, you’re tired, you have a lot of work. There is no need to be afraid to tell someone about your condition; sometimes you just need to tell your loved ones about your fatigue and ask for help. In addition, you can try to give yourself a couple of pleasant sensations. Ask that no one disturb you in the evening, take a bath, have a treat, listen to music. You can also take any sedative.

If it seems to you that you cannot realize yourself, this is not a reason to lash out at your loved ones, this is a reason to analyze the reasons, look for new ways to realize your needs. If emotions run high, you need to give them an outlet. At the same time, it is important to remember that family members are not to blame, there is no need to make trouble, you need to find another outlet for emotions, you can run, beat a punching bag, knock out rugs, etc.

How to deal with aggression yourself

The inability to cope with one's own emotions is one of the most common reasons for visits to psychologists. But not all women can afford to spend time and money on visiting a specialist, so they try in every possible way to cope with the problem on their own. For such women, several tips have been developed to help put their emotions in order.

If you feel angry, you need to sit down and describe what makes you angry.. Most often, anger passes during the process of description, but if it does not pass, then the sheet with the description can be torn and thrown away, taking out the evil on it.

Another way to get rid of aggression is to be alone with nature and just relax a little.. You can go to the forest, sit in silence, or, on the contrary, shout out. If complaints have accumulated against a specific person, for example, a boss, then you can express everything in any form, shout and even kick snags, this will help get rid of most of the negativity.

If your husband causes aggression, you need to try to inform him about it as correctly as possible. Men are designed in such a way that they can simply not understand and not notice insults and hints, and then sincerely wonder why a woman is crying and screaming, and from where. Therefore, you need to learn to talk about everything, gently and civilly communicate your dissatisfaction to your husband and accept his comments just as calmly.

And further it is very important to notice the positive. There is no need to dwell on the bad, scroll through grievances in your head and look for new reasons for them. It is important to notice the good, praise your husband and children for their actions, enjoy the little things, and soon you will notice that those around you begin to treat you more favorably and there are fewer reasons for aggression.

Aggression is an attack of a physical or psychological nature, the main motive of which is a destructive form of behavior that violates the possibility of coexistence of people and causes harm to all loved ones of the subject.

Aggression can be a means of protecting a person’s psyche from traumatic situations, but when it turns into a method of emotional release and assertion over others, the question arises of how to get rid of aggression.

Causes of aggression

The causes of aggression can be very diverse. These most often include alcohol and drug abuse, which negatively affects the nervous system and provokes an aggressive, inadequate reaction to minor stimuli.

Also, do not forget about internal psychological reasons: dissatisfaction in your personal life, intimate problems, feelings of loneliness, depression.

In addition, aggression can be a manifestation of various mental illnesses and disorders (schizophrenia), or is a consequence of experienced organic (meningitis, encephalitis) or emotional trauma. Very often, the causes of aggression are also purely subjective factors. Various customs, thirst for revenge, religious or ideological fanaticism, the image of a strong person - all this can provoke destructive behavior.

Types of aggression

There are different types of aggression and methods for classifying them. It is necessary to understand that aggression has different directions. So-called heteroaggression is aimed at others - it is its consequences that include insults, beatings, rape and even murder. A person’s auto-aggression is directed exclusively at himself and is expressed in self-destructive actions, the result of which can be suicide.

Aggression can be reactive or spontaneous. In the first case, it is a response to the current irritable situation, an example of which can be a domestic quarrel or a conflict at work. Spontaneous aggression manifests itself for no apparent reason under the influence of internal impulses. It is this variant of aggression that is most often a sign of mental disorders or diseases.

Forms of aggression

Psychologists also distinguish between forms of aggression. Among them, it is important to note gaming and malignant. “Game aggression” is understood as a person’s demonstration of his skills, dexterity and skills, but not for destructive purposes, which include the desire to cause harm. This behavior is purely demonstrative and is often called “pseudo-aggression.”

Malignant, also known as “compensatory” aggression, is revealed in a destructive pattern of behavior, a tendency to cruelty and violence. These actions often serve as a kind of replacement for a person’s personal productive life.

Options for displaying aggression

A manifestation of aggression is an external demonstration by a person of dissatisfaction with something. Quite often, the subject himself may not be aware of his feeling of dissatisfaction or not know about its causes, and may not be aware of his aggressive behavior.

Aggression in men and women is somewhat different. Men are more prone to its physical manifestation and it generally looks like hitting a table with a fist. Women show it more emotionally in the form of frequent incoherent complaints, reproaches, and conclusions that defy logical justification.

Aggression tends to accumulate in an individual and manifest itself in the event of a collision with a provoking factor, which may not be at all related to the real causes of aggression. Therefore, it is very important not to try to keep it inside, but when fighting aggression, pay special attention to identifying the main cause of its occurrence.

Aggression among teenagers

Teenage aggression is no less common. It is usually discovered during the period of growing up, when a newborn child faces new serious problems, including in communicating with peers, and various contradictions arise in his mind. Teenagers become hyperactive, take a rebellious attitude towards their family and loved ones, and sometimes, on the contrary, withdraw into themselves, become emotionally insensitive and cruel.

To prevent aggression in a child, it is necessary to strive to establish contact with him, if possible, accept and understand his position, listen and help without sharp criticism of him. It is important to eliminate aggression in families with children, where it is a kind of norm among adults. Children of scandalous parents, as a rule, adopt these habits on a subconscious level, even if they have not been frequent witnesses of quarrels and conflicts between mother and father.

Prevention and treatment of aggression in adolescents consists of the formation of a certain range of interests and their support. Parents should not only involve their child in useful and interesting activities, but also take into account his personal hobbies. You should not try to change a child using brute force. The absence of reproaches and criticism, as well as the ability to listen to a teenager’s feelings, is very important for them as they grow up.

Family aggression

Aggression in the family often becomes the most discussed topic in the offices of family psychologists. But, before turning to them, it makes sense to try to figure out the situation on your own in order to get rid of aggression. There are many reasons and reasons for family aggression and some of them are more common than others:

• Dissatisfaction of one or both spouses in their sex life.
• Feeling of disrespect for one's own self. Constant ridicule, reproaches, remarks and criticism, disdain for interests and hobbies.
• Psychological alienation among spouses. Lack of care, attention, affection, understanding.
• Various “unhealthy” addictions. Alcohol abuse, smoking, and other bad habits. This also includes addictions that lead to unreasonable spending.
• Financial disagreements. Inability to draw up a general family budget.
• Dissatisfaction of one of the spouses with mutual assistance, distribution of labor, cooperation in difficult situations that may be associated with raising children or running a household.

As already mentioned, there can be many reasons. However, any married couple is able to independently identify their “pain points” and, by discussing the problem, find the probable cause of the conflicts.

If you feel aggression from one of your family and friends, you should not put up with it and endure attacks. This attitude will not only damage you and your self-esteem, but will also make the situation worse in the future. But how to get out of aggression?

It is important for the aggressor himself to understand the fact that his behavior is unacceptable and harms the relationship, since with this form of behavior he may not be aware of it. It is necessary to convey to him the idea that aggression on his part is a serious psychological problem, perhaps even a mental disorder, which does not go away without a trace.

The next step is to establish contact and adequate communication, during which you need to try to understand the aggressor and his point of view, convey yours to him, and with common efforts find a solution to the problem, a possible compromise. If this is not enough, then you should arrange to visit a family psychotherapist who will help you figure it out and give all the necessary recommendations.

If it is not possible to get rid of this mental disorder in the family in any way, then the best solution for such a married couple would be divorce, since constant conflicts cause irreparable damage to both the male and female psyche, and in the worst case, they can result in serious physical damage.