Addressing Aggressive Behavior in Children
We all have difficult moments, some more than others.
As adults we have learned numerous coping mechanisms to treat our negative behaviors.
Children, on the other hand, require more simplicity. Meaning that we need to communicate at their level.
Aggression is a series of behaviors that can cause physical and/or emotional harm
According to Kendra Cherry, signs of aggression can Include:
- physical
- verbal
- relational
- passive-aggressive (Cherry, 2022).
Unfortunately, the exact cause of aggressive behavior is unknown
Researchers believe that there are strong biological and environmental components.
Meaning that if the child witnesses abusive behavior, they are more likely to act the same way.
As for biological factors the cause could range from a hormonal imbalance to a brain structure abnormality.
Not only that but, aggressive behavior has also been associated with other mental health disorders.
Children with this disorder tend to exhibit different behaviors. For example one child can have a meltdown, while the other could display violent behavior or both.
Types of Aggressive Behavior
According to the GoodTherapy website, the following are different types of aggressive behavior (GoodTherapy, 2019);
- Accidental aggression is not intentional and may be the result of carelessness.
- Expressive aggression is an act of aggression that is intentional but not meant to cause harm.
- Hostile aggression is meant to cause physical or psychological pain.
- Instrumental aggression can result from conflict over objects or what are assumed to be one’s rights.
Aggressive behavior and violence are often associated together despite their definitions being completely different.
Aggression holds the emotional component while violence holds the physical aspect.
Untreated aggressive behavior can lead to physical violence.
Treatment for aggressive behavior varies from case to case.
Most specialists review the client’s history and set up mental health evaluations. Aggressive behavior is often associated with a mental disorder. Depending on the diagnosis, the medical provider will treat the disorder with the corresponding medications.
Some may prescribe a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
Yale Medicine reports that “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has allowed children to acquire new and more effective skills to regulate their angry emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (Yale Medicine, 2022)”.
Some even recommend parents to find alternative ways to treat aggressive behavior.
For example, when a child has a meltdown surrounded by a group of people. Begin by separating the child from the crowd and ensure that there aren’t any harmful objects in the way. This would provide some space for the child to breathe and calm down.
The Cleveland Clinic suggests the following to calm a child with aggressive behavior (Cleveland Clinic, 2023):
- Stay calm
- Don’t give in to tantrums or aggressive behavior
- Catch your child being good
- Help your child express themself by naming emotions.
- Understand your child’s patterns and identify triggers
- Find appropriate rewards.
The trick is not to give in to your child’s negative behavior
When giving your child a reward, these can range from extra free time or picking what’s for dinner.
It is also important to praise their positive behavior when you see.
For example, when your child is sitting quietly doing their homework, tell them they are doing a great job. Children need recognition for their positive behaviors in order to repeat them. This allows them to understand the difference between positive and negative behaviors.
We all have moments where our emotions take control over our body. Fortunately, throughout the years we’ve gained information on several different coping skills.
Contrary for children, they have yet experienced life. So don’t be afraid to ask a medical health provider for resources on how to treat aggressive behavior. Children require support and someone who can teach them how to express their emotions.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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