Anger is a strong emotion consisting of thoughts, images and physical sensations that are often assumed as uncontrollable, according to the Beck Institute. Aggression, on the other hand, is an intentional behavior such as physical violence, use of profanity or spitting that is enacted as a means for expressing the anger emotion. Aggression is often displayed differently in youths compared to adults. Police Chief magazine explains three differences: youths having less control over aggressive impulse due to immaturity, youths acting on emotions impulsively, and youths' aggression is often less predictable. However, some of the strategies for diffusing aggression are similar, depending on the events leading to the volatile behavior. Regardless of the age, managing a situation involving an aggressive person requires care for maintaining the safety of all people involved--as well as using the least amount of confrontation possible.
Reduce Arousal
The National Association of Social Workers says attempts to reason with an enraged person is futile and may escalate the situation. Arousal reduction is the primary goal of de-escalating an explosive situation. Approach the person calmly, with low voice tone and respect. Introduce yourself and ask what can be done to help; do not impose ideas upon the aggressive person. Acknowledge the emotion being expressed by the aggressive person without sarcasm or contriteness. The Crisis Prevention Institute suggests maintaining a non-judgmental attitude no matter what the aggressive person says. This is because the goal is not to make sense of the behavior, but to induce calm in the environment for decreasing aggressive acts.
Give Attention, Employ Non-Verbal Stance
Giving the aggressor undivided attention, validation and listening to concerns is essential for diffusing aggressive behavior. The National Association of Social Workers suggests not interrupting the person and only speaking when the aggressor has paused in his end of the discussion. Non-verbal stance is also important in the process of diffusing aggression. The Crisis Prevention Institute says listening involves making eye contact but also breaking gaze to decrease the chance of intimidating the aggressor. Take caution not to smile, make jokes or appear on defense through crossing the arms or having an object that could be misconstrued as a weapon in hand. Keep a safe distance from the aggressor, and as a precautionary note stay closer to an exit in case the diffusion doesn't work.
Clarify Your Steps
Once the aggressor has ceased destructive behaviors and appears attentive to discussion, begin clarifying what will happen next. This strategy is an option only when the aggressor has given the clear indication that he's willing to respond to diffusion efforts. This is the point when a reciprocal discussion can occur, and choices are given to the aggressor about what can or cannot happen to solve his concern. The National Association of Social Workers suggests giving consequences of the inappropriate behavior in an authoritative but respectful way.
References
- National Association of Social Workers: Verbal De-Escalation Techniques for Defusing or Talking Down Explosive Situations
- Police Chief Magazine: Adult vs. Juvenile Aggression
- Link to Healthy Minds: De-escalation Skills
- Crisis Prevention Institute: De-escalation Tips
- Beck Institute: Anger Versus Aggression
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