Defining Anger and Aggression: A Qualitative Comparison of Youth Experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anger and aggression are among the most clinically pressing symptoms of those with complex trauma histories. There has been minimal agreement within the literature about how anger and aggression are defined and differentiated, and limited research exists from the youths’ perspective. A sample of 27 youth was recruited with an average age of 14.1 years and average ACEs score of 2.1, with nearly equal males and females. Using social constructionism and developmental trauma frameworks, a phenomenological qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was conducted to address experiences of anger and aggression with a comparative sample of youth at low risk and youth at risk. Themes that emerged included definition, innate vs learned, upbringing, and limitations. Results suggested there were some major differences in how youth at low risk and those at risk defined and experienced anger and aggression.