REWORKED: 5 Things You Need to Know About Aggressive Behavior

1. All About Aggression

Aggressive behavior can be caused by many things and displayed in several ways. Some people who display aggressive behavior do so verbally, by being loud, rude or confrontational when they talk to people. Aggressive behavior can also consist of physical actions like throwing things or hitting. Aggression can be a natural reaction to something or someone that has made us angry, impatient or flustered, but it can also be caused by a variety of personal or environmental factors.

2. It Runs In The Family

Aggression is often a learned behavior. Children whose parents display aggressive behavior see it as an acceptable way of dealing with anger and conflict, so they act the same way. Some people learn from coworkers that aggression is productive, as in the case of police officers and armed-services members. Aggression is often viewed as a necessary part of these jobs, and can seem like a good way to handle conflict, especially if one sees his coworkers using aggressive behavior effectively.

3. Childhood Aggression

Children often display aggressive behavior. Childhood aggression is sometimes just a child's way of dealing with unfamiliar emotions or trying to establish himself as being important, powerful or worthy of attention. Children often mock, bully or pick fights with other kids because of their own insecurities, or just to draw attention to themselves. Verbal aggression is common among school-age children, but behavior that is hurtful or escalates into physical violence is bullying and should not be tolerated.

4. Possibilities Of Abuse

Some children display aggressive behavior as a reaction to physical or sexual abuse. If the child is being abused, but has not told anyone because of fear or shame, he or she will often act out aggressively as a cry for help. Subconsciously, the child wants attention for her aggressive behavior so that an adult will recognize the abusive situation and help her. Children who are being physically abused also display aggressive or violent behavior because they think that abuse and physical violence are part of normal, everyday life.

5. Managing Aggression

Anger-management techniques can be helpful in dealing with aggressive behavior. Taking five deep breaths, counting to 10 and writing out reasons for anger before acting on them are all common exercises used to manage anger. These tools can also help someone cope with aggressive behavior, but their effectiveness depends on the source of the aggression and the behavior. If the aggressive behavior is violent, harmful or destructive, seek professional help. The source of the anger could be abuse or trauma that requires more involved treatment. Anger management therapists can help you learn the source of your aggressive behavior and find ways to deal with it productively.