Aggressive behavior can be damaging and painful if left untreated. Although anger is a normal and healthy emotion, uncontrolled anger and aggression can destroy relationships, cause problems at work and at home, and can lead to lethal or risky behavior in adults and children. If your tendency toward aggression or violence affects your daily life, it may be time to seek treatment.
Definition of Aggression
Princeton University's online dictionary Word Net defines aggression as "a feeling of hostility that arouses thoughts of attack" and "violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked." The Making Choices Program, a program at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, says aggression is a threat of constant behavior that harms others that would impede upon the rights of another, transgress social norms, or impair function.
Signs of Aggression
Aggressive behavior is characterized by harming others on purpose, either socially or physically. Other aggressive behaviors can be taunting or threatening, fights or throwing objects, retaliation, bullying, lying, stealing or cheating, and manipulation. According to the U.S. Department of Education and the website RISEP, warning signs that aggressive behavior could ensue include a pattern of social withdrawal, isolation, being a victim of aggression, anger management problems, drug use or a lack of interest in school.
Aggression in Children
Aggressive behavior in children has the potential for causing harm that lasts through the child's life. If untreated, aggressive behavior can lead to violence and can alter the social development of your child. Aggressive behavior can also be a warning sign that your child is affected by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or conduct disorder (CD).
Depression in Teens
Aggression and violent tendencies can be a symptom of teen depression. According to Health website the Help Guide, untreated depression can lead to aggressive and even lethal behaviors. Teens who are depressed act out and engage in risky behaviors that can also be aggressive toward others, such as reckless driving.
Anger Management
Problems staying in control of your anger could lead to aggressive behavior. The Help Guide says that in order to control aggression, first control your impulse for anger. Begin by giving attention to how you feel the minute you feel anger. Being aware of these feelings allows you to take control before you act aggressively. Next, become aware of thought patterns that activate anger. Avoid situations and people you know will induce you to anger. If you get angry when you interact with a certain coworker, avoid that coworker in a well-meaning way.
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