Many parents find it difficult to tell if their teenager's aggressive behavior is a problem or just part of "normal teenage rebellion." While there should always be hope that a teen will outgrow aggressive behavior, parents should be mindful not to minimize or make light of it, and consider evaluation if sufficient symptoms are present. Often there is a drop-off in aggressive behavior following a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional and early intervention.
Wide-Ranging Behavior
Violent behavior in adolescents can include everything from explosive temper tantrums, physical aggression, fighting, and threats or attempts to hurt others. Potentially dangerous behaviors like homicidal thoughts, the use of weapons, cruelty toward animals, vandalism and fire setting can also be considered aggressive behaviors.
Factors Influencing Aggresion
Research suggests that certain factors can lead to an increased risk of aggressive and violent behavior. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that children exposed to physical and/or sexual abuse, violence in the home or community, violence on television and movies, as well as those with access to firearms, may be at higher risk than others to develop aggressive behaviors during adolescence. Those who use drugs and alcohol, and who live under other stressful conditions including poverty, divorce, or who suffer a traumatic loss, are also at risk.
Red Flags
Evaluate for aggressive behavior children living with risk factors, and who display several warning signs. Evaluate children who have frequent temper tantrums, and intense anger, frustration, irritability and impulsiveness.
Sibling Aggression
Sibling order and gender are factors in aggression in children and adolescents. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, evaluated behaviors in 451 sibling pairs between the ages of 9 and 18. The study results suggested that those with a brother or a highly aggressive sibling of either gender are more likely to become aggressive over time than those with an older sister or a non-aggressive sibling. Older children with younger sisters tended to become less aggressive, and older children with younger brothers remained stable in terms of aggression over time.
Treatment Strategies
Behavioral modification may be part of therapy when a child is diagnosed with aggressive behavior. Teens are taught how to express anger and frustration in positive ways, and how to own an action and accept consequences. Therapists also work with teens and their families to address family issues, school problems or community issues that may be contributing to this behavior.
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Understanding Violent Behavior In Children and Adolescents
- Science Daily: Aggression In Adolescents Is Influenced By Siblings
- "Child Development"; Vol. 78, Issue 5, The Development of Interpersonal Aggression during Adolescence: The Importance of Parents, Siblings, and Family Economics; Williams, ST, Conger, KJ, and Blozis, SA
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