A number of different factors can influence aggression in children. Biological, environmental, and physical factors can all contribute to childhood aggression. Men are more likely than women to engage in physical aggression. However, researchers have discovered that women use non-physical forms, such as verbal aggression, relational aggression, and social rejection more often than men. Growing up in an environment witnessing forms of aggression will more likely cause the belief that violence and hostility are socially acceptable behaviors. Epilepsy, dementia, psychosis, alcohol abuse, drug use, and brain injuries or abnormalities can also influence aggression (Cherry, 2018).
“Human beings show the highest levels of aggressive behavior towards their peers between the ages of two and four. As children grow, they learn how to manage their emotions, communicate with others and deal with conflict” (Arnold, 2017). What distinguishes playful or pretend aggressive play from aggressive behavior is the lack of intent to hurt or frighten. Hostile aggression that is exhibited as aggressive behavior directed to others, such as name-calling, criticizing and ridiculing emerges around seven years of age (Coie and Dodge, 1998). “Adult personality may develop from processes embedded in childhood adaptation as well as childhood personality” (2nd article).
Approximately thirty-eight years ago, Lee Robins conducted a longitudinal study with children seen at child guidance clinics and discovered that problem children can become problem adults (Robins, 1966). The principle of universality would suggest that children of all cultures should exhibit some degree of aggression as a developmental path and progression rather than as the exclusive expression of environmental factors. Generally, early aggression is a strong predictor of aggressive behaviors later in life. “Researchers explain the early onset of aggressive behavior in children by biological factors, learning processes, and frustration leading to aggressive reactions as early as the first year. Studies determined that most adolescents and adults who commit acts of violence were already aggressive or socially conspicuous as children” (Tremblay, 2007).
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Parental characteristics are connected to childhood behavior problems and a child’s flourishing and healthy development. “Reports of deviant parental models are more frequent with aggressive children. The link between parental antisocial attitudes and violent behavior of children has been reported” (Tremblay, 2004). The relationship between a father’s antisocial behavior and childhood aggression was weaker compared to the correlation with maternal criminal history. Aggressive child-related factors include challenging temperament, irritability, attachment issues, and acquired motivation. Mother-related factors include insensitivity, poor parenting skills, lawlessness, intimidation, harsh discipline, shame, and humiliation.
There is a correlation between aggression and genetics during childhood. But it is the environment a child is exposed to that determines whether the behaviors increase or decrease as the child ages (U. of M., 2017). “Awareness and reporting were not related to aggression or victimization. Many teachers may not be aware of relational aggression due to its covert nature” (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995). Bullies and bully‐victims have shared, rather than distinct, psychological processes underlying their bullying behavior. There will be some kids who get bullied but don’t end up bullying others. And there will be some kids who start as bullies and then become victims later in life. Data suggests there is a group that transitions into bullying from victimization and the pattern is more likely from bully to victim. In terms of why or who falls into these categories, more longitudinal studies need to be conducted (Laucius, 2014).
References
- Arnold. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.childneurologysociety.org/resources/resources- detail-view/2017-child-neurology-society-awards-announced.
- Cherry, K. (2018). Factors That Lead to Aggression. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-aggression-2794818.
- Coie, & Dodge. (1998). Social-Cognitive and Behavioral Correlates of Aggression … Retrieved from https://www.psych.udel.edu/lab-sub-site/jhubbard-sub-site/Documents/Schwartz, Dodge, Coie, Hubbard, Cillessen, Lemerise, Bateman (1998).pdf.
- Crick, N. R., & Grotpeter, J. K. (1995). Relational Aggression, Gender, and Social-Psychological Adjustment. Child Development, 66(3), 710-722. doi:10.1111/j.1467- 8624.1995.tb00900.x.
- Laucius, J. (2014). Why some victims become bullies: Q&A with bullying expert Tracy Vaillancourt. Retrieved from https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/why-some- victims-become-bullies-qa-with-bullying-expert-tracy-vaillancourt.
- Robins. (1966). Genetic and Environmental Influences on Antisocial … Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ac16/d5133cb623e011c502ee3e9da265560dd115.pdf.
- Shiner, & Colgate. (2002). A Developmental Perspective on Personality in Emerging … Retrieved via https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Shiner/publication/11048742_A_develop mental_perspective_on_personality_in_emerging_adulthood_Childhood_antecedents_an d_concurrent_adaptation/links/568b4d1308ae1e63f1fc0eeb.pdf.
- Tremblay, R. E. (2004). Physical Aggression During Early Childhood: Trajectories and Predictors. Pediatrics, 114(1). doi:10.1542/peds.114.1.e43.
- Tremblay, R. E. (2007). Early Parent Training. Preventing Crime, 21-32. doi:10.1007/978-0-387- 69169-5_2.
- U. of M., (2017). Aggression in childhood: Rooted in genetics, influenced by the environment. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171220091657.htm.
