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What Causes Teenage Aggression: Factors That Trigger Hostile Behaviour

April 26, 2022

6 min read

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Author : United We Care
Clinically approved by : Dr.Vasudha
What Causes Teenage Aggression: Factors That Trigger Hostile Behaviour

Introduction

Most parents have worried that their child cannot handle their attack at some point during teenage aggression in their child’s life. As a child grows up, they start to go through many physical, emotional, and social changes, especially in their teenage years. It is when parents have to become more aware of the signs of aggression and what triggers it. 

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What is teenage aggression? 

Social psychology defines teenage aggression as any act or behaviour that aims to harm another person or animal or physically damage someone else’s property. Some common examples of teenage aggression include:

  1. Physical acts of violence
  2. Using harsh language, shouting, or swearing
  3. Hurting their friends’ or siblings’ favourite things on purpose
  4. Spreading rumours and gossiping about classmates or peers
  5. Keying cars or slashing a tire

While teenage violence and aggression are terms used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two. An act of aggression is not always violent; however, an act of violence is always aggressive. 
There are two main types of teenage aggression:

  1. Impulsive aggression: Also known as affective or emotional aggression, this kind directly results from what the child feels at any given moment. It is usually uncontrollable and spontaneous. 
  2. Instrumental aggression: This is also known as cognitive aggression and usually involves more planning, intent, and a specific goal than the impulsive kind. 

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What does teenage aggression cause? 

Most psychologists define teenage aggression as the act of causing harm to others. However, it has adverse effects on the individual as well. Let us look at some of the ill effects that teenage aggression causes: 

  1. Discord in the family may lead to the separation of parents
  2. The onset or worsening of mental health disorders
  3. Risk of physical injuries due to reckless behaviour 
  4. Strained interpersonal relationships 
  5. Injuries due to fights 
  6. A decline in the child’s academic and personal progress 
  7. Social isolation
  8. Failure in exams 
  9. A sense of hopelessness or helplessness
  10. Depression
  11. Substance abuse or alcoholism 
  12. An increased risk of fines, arrest, incarceration, and other legal problems
  13. Withdrawal from society and social functions

Now that we are aware of the ill effects of teenage aggression. Parents must identify the signs of adolescent aggression. They are attacks, including intense anger, impulsive or spontaneous actions, frequent loss of temper, irritation and a tendency to get frustrated quickly. Let us learn more about them below.
Teenage Aggression

What are some factors that trigger hostile behaviour in teenagers?

There are several causes of teenage aggression. Parents need to be aware to avoid triggering any hostile behaviour in their teenagers:

  1. A.D.H.D. or A.D.D.: Impulsiveness is one of the core characteristics of A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. that can lead to teenage aggression without the child thinking about their actions. 
  2. Mood disorders: Most teenagers afflicted with mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour, especially during their manic phase. 
  3. Behavioural disorders: Any child who has serious emotional or behavioural issues can also be aggressive, violent, and hostile towards their family, classmates, or members of society around them. 
  4. Learning disorders or communication problems: Adolescents with a history of learning disabilities such as autism or Asperger’s syndrome may get frustrated more easily and lash out when they cannot correctly express their feelings. 
  5. Head injuries:  Sometimes, parents may not be aware that any child or teen who has suffered a concussion or repeatedly hurt their head can have underlying brain damage. The most common areas to get damaged are those related to anger control and impulsivity, resulting in teenage aggression. 
  6. Physical or sexual abuse: In 2016, research showed that almost 72% of all childhood abuse victims engage in physical violence. 
  7. Drug addiction or alcoholism: Consuming alcohol or drugs at a young age can negatively impact teenagers’ brain function, resulting in a higher risk of teenage aggression. 
  8. Food allergies: Intolerance to foods such as dairy, gluten, sugar, soy, and corn can lead to mental and physical issues, including aggression. 

How does teenage aggression affect the individual and society?

Teenage aggression can lead to an increase in fighting and bullying among peers. Along with the physical and mental effects that the individual undergoes, there are serious adverse effects on society due to a rise in teen aggression-related violence. 
Teenage homicide and other non-fatal violence contribute significantly to premature death, disability, and injury worldwide. This violence also impacts a person’s social and psychological functioning and the victims’ friends and family. 
Teenage aggression and violence can increase the cost of welfare, health, and criminal justice services. At the same time, it lowers productivity and property value.  

What can you do to prevent teenage aggression? 

As parents and caregivers, it is better to take steps toward preventing teenage aggression before it is too late. Here are a few ways to fast-track how you deal with a teenager at risk of being aggressive:

  1. Counselling: Taking your teenager to trained and licensed professionals or choosing online counselling with places like United We Care can help your child take responsibility for their actions and solve their relationship issues.
  2. Family counselling: Talking to each other and finding solutions to any underlying causes of teenage aggression can help reduce it. 
  3. Medication: It is mainly necessary for those adolescents who have been diagnosed with neurological [1] or psychiatric problems.
  4. Set clear house rules: Creating a clear list of house rules that outline positive behaviour expected from the child can help them overcome impulsive forms of aggression. 
  5. Relaxation techniques: These can come in very handy if the reason behind the teenagers’ aggression stems from pressure at school, including peer pressure or other stressful situations. Teaching them such techniques can help them overcome bouts of anger themselves and ease their aggressive behaviour. 

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Conclusion

Most cases of teenage aggression happen for a reason. So be able to identify the reason behind your child’s aggressive behaviour. It can help you avoid any situation that may trigger such behaviour. However, you may be unable to prevent an episode of teenage aggression every time. But constant care, a little structure, and a lot of understanding give them more opportunity to manage their responses. 
Look at the list of expertise United We Care offers to help solve mental health issues, relationship problems, and addictions that may indirectly result in teenage aggression in your kids.

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References

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Author : United We Care

Founded in 2020, United We Care (UWC) is providing mental health and wellness services at a global level, UWC utilizes its team of dedicated and focused professionals with expertise in mental healthcare, to solve 2 essential missing components in the market, sustained user engagement and program efficacy/outcomes.

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