Adolescent Aggression Research Articles

Peer Victimization, Peer Aggression and Depressive Symptoms over Time: A Longitudinal Study with Latent Growth Curves.

Most empirical research on the relationship between peer victimization, aggression, and mental health has been conducted with correlational designs. Much of this research has also focused primarily on linking peer victimization with either the potential aggressive behaviors of victims or a deterioration in their mental health. This study analyzes the relationship between peer victimization, peer aggression, and depressive symptoms in adolescents over time. The participants are 194 adolescents (49.2% boys, 50.8% girls) aged between 10 and 13 years (M = 10.88, SD = 0.84). The results of the growth modeling analysis indicate that the trajectories are interconnected: as victimization decreases, adolescent aggression and depressive symptoms also decrease. In addition, it is observed that victimization decreased in the same way in boys and girls, while aggression and depressive symptoms showed a smaller reduction in girls. Finally, the results and their potential practical implications are discussed.

Video Game Use, Aggression, and Social Impairment in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We used parent report data to investigate video game playing, aggression, and social impairment in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Parents of autistic adolescents were more likely to report that their child plays video games as a hobby compared to parents of adolescents with typical development and also reported that their children spent more time playing video games. For autistic participants, we found no differences in aggression levels or social impairment when comparing players versus non-players. However, playing video games "more than average," as compared to "average" was associated with greater aggression and greater social impairment on "awareness" and "mannerisms" subscales. Future studies should focus on how type of video game(s) played is associated with these clinically important variables.

Factors Influencing Aggressive Adolescent Behavior: An Analysis Using the Decision Tree Method

Aggression among adolescents is a significant public health concern worldwide. To safeguard adolescents’ physical and mental health, controlling the incidence of aggressive behavior and its triggers and drivers is necessary. Different risk factors in each environment drive adolescent aggression. These factors are interconnected, making the environment an ecosystem of aggression. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence adolescents’ aggressive behavior and provide a basis for formulating measures to reduce such behavior in the future. This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five middle schools in Lingbao City. The participants were junior high school students aged 11–15 years. Data were analyzed from January to March 2020 using the decision tree analysis method. The aggressive behavior scale, adolescent emotion regulation scale, family intimacy and adaptation scale, parental education participation scale, and a simple parenting style questionnaire were used for the investigation. Of the 581 participants, 25.5% demonstrated a tendency for aggressive behavior, while the remaining did not. The decision tree analysis showed that the incidence of adolescent aggression was the highest (54.8%) when the maternal overprotective score was greater than or equal to 17, the adolescent had low emotional control, and the mother’s intelligence score was higher than 30. The decision tree model reflects the influencing factors of adolescent aggressive behavior from multiple levels and provides a reference for formulating effective intervention measures to control such behavior and its influencing factors.

Effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy on aggression, self-harm behaviors, and emotional self-regulation in delinquent adolescents

Effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy on aggression, self-harm behaviors, and emotional self-regulation in delinquent adolescents

An Integrated Review of The Factors Influencing Aggression in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the aggressive characteristics of children and adolescents with ASD through an integrated literature review.Methods: Data collection was conducted for papers published in Korean or English language from December 2018 to February 2019. Literature search was conducted through keywords, such as 'autism', 'ASD', 'autistic', 'asperger', 'agress', 'violence', 'SIB', 'child', and 'adolescent', and 19 papers were finally selected. In order to identify the aggressive behavior characteristics and influencing factors of children and adolescents with ASD, the contents of the core results were analyzed through repeated review of research results.Results: Characteristics related to aggression in children and adolescents with ASD were classified into biological factors, cognitive factors, social factors, and affective-emotional factors, and related variables affecting aggression were identified with each topic.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the basis for the development of accessible interventions for children and adolescents with ASD and their caregivers can be prepared.

Окремі аспекти виникнення та попередження вербальної агресивної поведінки у підлітків з порушеннями розумового розвитку

The article contains the results of theoretical generalization and practical work on the disclosure of certain aspects of aggressive verbal behavior in adolescents with intellectual disabilities and a description of the main pedagogical techniques for its prevention and correction. The presence of a high concentration of aggression in society and the lack of an unambiguous scientific explanation of this complex phenomenon make research issues one of the current psychological and pedagogical problems, an important promising scientific, theoretical and practical task. The article is devoted to the study of a complex social, psychological, speech phenomenon, which is common in modern society and especially in the school environment, where it is often and vividly manifested. The approach to the study of verbal aggression of adolescents with speech disorders presented in the paper allowed to identify significant aspects of this phenomenon: the origins, level of danger, mechanisms and psychological and pedagogical methods of overcoming. The main aspects of verbal aggression are: external, formal – verbal design of manifestations: intonation, timbre, tempo, volume of speech, features of diction, suggestive characteristics of the voice; specifics of lexical means and speech constructions; internal, semantic – topics, content, goals of expression.It is not only possible but also necessary to significantly limit the manifestations of verbal aggression in the school environment, as this phenomenon poses a real threat to the implementation of full-fledged communicative contacts and an effective educational process. The conducted research allows to continue the work in the direction of developing methods for overcoming verbal aggression in the school speech environment and determining a set of urgent tasks of correctional and preventive work. Solving the problem under study will not only improve the culture of pedagogical communication, normalize the psychological climate in the school community and the implementation of effective educational process, but also in general to harmonize communication between people, the overall health of modern society

Mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between leisure experience and aggression

Previous research has shown that both the daily experiences and personal traits of adolescents are linked to aggression. Our aim was to further investigate the relationship between leisure experience, self-esteem, and aggression according to the general aggression model. In addition, within frustration-aggression theory, we proposed that leisure experience and aggression have a negative correlation. Furthermore, based on broaden-and-build theory, we explored the mediating role of self-esteem between leisure experience and aggression. The participants included 660 Chinese teenagers with an average age of 14.3. Among them, male students accounted for 310 (49.4%) and female students accounted for 318 (50.6%). The results showed that leisure experience was positively correlated with self-esteem and negatively correlated with aggression, while self-esteem was also negatively correlated with aggression. Additionally, self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between leisure experience and aggression. Our study could enrich research on leisure and provide a basis for protective factors of aggression in adolescents.

Understanding aggression in adolescence by studying the neurobiological stress system: A systematic review.

Understanding aggression in adolescence by studying the neurobiological stress system: A systematic review.

Differential associations of conduct disorder, callous-unemotional traits and irritability with outcome expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggression

BackgroundPrevious work has examined the association of aggression levels and callous-unemotional traits with outcome expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggression. Less work has examined the outcome expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggression of adolescents with Conduct Disorder (CD). Also, no studies have examined links between irritability (a second socio-affective trait associated with CD) and these social cognitive processes despite the core function of anger in retaliatory aggression and establishing dominance.MethodThe current study, investigating these issues, involved 193 adolescents (typically developing [TD; N = 106], 87 cases with CD [N = 87]). Participants completed an adaptation of the Outcomes Expectations and Values Questionnaire and were assessed for CU traits and irritability via the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits and the Affective Reactivity Index.ResultsWhile CD was associated with atypical outcome expectations this was not seen within statistical models including CU traits and irritability. CU traits were associated with decreased expectation that aggression would result in feelings of remorse and victim suffering, as well as decreased concern that aggressive acts would result in punishment and victim suffering. Irritability was associated with increased expectations and concern that aggression would result in dominance and forced respect.ConclusionsThe results suggest that CU traits and irritability, often present in youth with CD, are associated with different forms of maladaptive outcome expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggression. This suggests that the atypical social cognitive processes underlying aggressive behavior among youth exhibiting CU traits may differ from those exhibiting problems regulating anger.

The Effect of Child Abuse and Neglect on Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Aggression in Korean Adolescents: Exploring Gender Differences.

We analyzed gender differences in the effects of child abuse and neglect experienced during adolescence on depressive symptoms and aggression in Korean adolescents using a representative sample of participants over a three-year period. We applied a latent growth model to a sample of 1797 adolescents aged 14–16 from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey. Our findings revealed that abuse increased depressive symptoms in early adolescence, while lowering the rate of increase in depressive symptoms over time. Neglect adversely affected depressive symptoms in boys, but not in girls. Abuse increased the initial value of aggression in girls more than in boys, but reduced the increase rate of aggression over time in girls. Neglect increased the initial value of aggression only in boys. Consequently, abuse and neglect experienced during adolescence can affect depressive symptoms and aggression in the individual differently, depending on gender. This study suggests that, in order to reduce depressive symptoms and aggression in adolescents, work should be undertaken to solve the problems of abuse and neglect, and different approaches should be taken according to the gender of the individual.

Self-Disclosure, Self-concept, and Friendship’s Perceived Functions among Aggressive and Popular Adolescents

This study explores the subjective experiences and perceptions related to intimacy in friendships in a group of aggressive-popular adolescents in urban schools characterized by high rates of community violence. Individual interviews were conducted with 12 volunteering adolescents (12–14 years old). Procedures from grounded theory were used to enable thematic coding, departing from a social identity, socio-emotional, and ecological perspective. The narratives by adolescents highlighted the influence the social environment in which they grew had on individual psychological conditions that shape their emotional responses, self-concept, and beliefs. They exhibit aggressive behavior and to value popularity as an adaptive form of social survival, and belonging. Their social behavior has influence on their friendships face challenges, especially regarding the perception of envy from friends and the associated self-disclosure constraints when individuals are involved in high-violence contexts.

Aggression in Adolescents: The Role of Mother-Child Attachment and Self-Esteem.

Every year, adolescents’ aggressive behavior in the world continues to increase, including in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Teenagers’ aggressive behavior in Yogyakarta leads to criminal acts resulting in physical sacrifices and death. The aggressive behavior of teenagers is known as Klithih. It develops and continues to increase every year, causing public anxiety and concern. This study aimed to examine the role of mother–child attachment and self-esteem against aggression. Aggression, mother’s attachment, and self-esteem scales were deployed to collect data and were filled out by 730 high school students between 15 and 19 years old from twenty-three schools in five municipalities in Yogyakarta Province (M = 16.52, SD = 0.793, 310 male students and 420 female students). Descriptive statistics described research data by IBM SPSS 23 and structural equation modeling by AMOS v20 to test research hypotheses. The results of the study showed a good fit, indicating that self-esteem might enhance the effect of each mother’s attachment style on aggression. Our study showed that insecure attachment positively and significantly affected aggression and negatively and significantly affected self-esteem. Furthermore, it also revealed that anxious attachment positively and significantly influenced aggression and negatively and significantly influenced self-esteem. Lastly, our finding revealed that self-esteem negatively and significantly affected aggression. These findings suggested that better mother’s attachment and higher self-esteem in adolescents may lower the possibility of aggression, whereas insecure attachment, anxious attachment, and low self-esteem may increase the risk of aggression.

Suicide attempt endophenotypes: Latent profiles of child and adolescent aggression and impulsivity differentially predict suicide attempt in females

Suicide is a leading cause of death in young adulthood. Identifying early prevention targets to reduce later suicide is a public health priority. Impulsivity and aggression in early childhood may represent actionable early prevention candidate endophenotypes for later suicidal behavior. Our objective is to to understand the association of aggression and impulsivity trajectories with mental health outcomes to inform future prevention efforts. Participants were part of a longitudinal cohort of a preventative intervention trial (n = 597) and predominantly Black. They were assessed for aggressive and impulsive behaviors yearly in 1st–3rd and 6th–12th grades, and provided mental health data via self-report beginning in 6th grade. Longitudinal latent profiles of aggressive and impulsive behaviors were derived for males and females and used to determine whether profiles was associated with lifetime suicide attempt and meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Two impulsivity and aggression classes were found for males, characterized by low behaviors or moderate to high behaviors across development. Three classes were found for females, one of which was characterized by an undulating pattern of behaviors. For females, the class of severe behaviors was associated with significant risk of suicide attempt (Wald = 6.01, p = 0.05). No relationship was found for males or for MDD diagnosis. An endophenotype model of impulsivity and aggression in predicting later suicide attempt was supported in females, but not males. Results underscore the importance of evaluating sex differences in suicide research and the potential identification of females at risk for later suicidal behavior in school settings.

Longitudinal association of peer victimization with aggression and self-injury in adolescence: The mediating role of belief in a just world

ObjectiveThe concept of belief in a just world (BJW) refers to human beings' belief that the world is a stable, orderly and just. In recent years, the role of BJW plays in individuals' daily life has been studied since it's an significant part of individuals' mental health. Previous research has linked the BJW with peer victimization, aggression and self-injury. And this study examined whether BJW can mediate the relationship between peer victimization and aggression and self-injury. We tested our hypotheses that, 1) peer victimization would have positive associations with aggression and self-injury; 2) BJW would mediate the relationship between peer victimization and both aggression and self-injury. The results supported our hypotheses. Mediation modeling analysis showed that BJW had a significantly mediation effect in the longitudinal association of peer victimization with aggression and self-injury. Meanwhile, the changes in the prevalence rate of self-injury among Chinese adolescents who were participants in the current study at baseline (54.9%) and six-month follow-up (42.7%) also further proved the function of BJW. These findings are consistent with recent work and meanwhile indicate the mediation mechanism which can be majorly applied to psychological education.

Self-harm and Aggression in Chinese Early Adolescents: Their Co-occurrence and the Role of Bullying Victimization.

Self-harm and aggression increase markedly during early adolescence. However, few studies considered these harmful behaviors simultaneously. This study employed a person-centered approach to identify profiles of adolescents who differed in their patterns of self-harm, reactive aggression, and proactive aggression, examined the stability of these patterns, and explored the effect of bullying victimization on latent profile membership and transition. A total of 2463 early adolescents (48.8% girls, Mage = 13.93 ± 0.59) participated in two waves of the study over six months. The results indicated that low symptoms profile (80.4%), moderate aggression profile (14.2%), high aggression profile (3.0%), and high self-harm profile (2.4%) were identified at time 1, and low symptoms profile (82.1%), dual-harm profile (7.6%), high aggression profile (7.7%), and high self-harm profile (2.6%) were identified at time 2. Adolescents assigned to at-risk profiles showed moderate to high transition, suggesting the developmental heterogeneity of self-harm and aggression. Moreover, adolescents high in bullying victimization were more likely to belong or transition to at-risk profiles. The findings revealed the co-occurring and transitional nature of self-harm and aggression and the transdiagnostic role of bullying victimization, which can be used to guide prevention and intervention strategies.

Assessing and treating aggression in children and adolescents

Assessing and treating aggression in children and adolescents

Attachment styles and their association with aggression, hostility, and anger in Lebanese adolescents: a national study

BackgroundThe idea that attachment styles can affect the level of anger in an individual educes a reason why people develop anger issues and behavioral problems in adolescence that escalate into adulthood. Lebanon suffers from a shortage of data pertaining to insecure attachment styles and the affective and cognitive aspects of anger and behavioral anger expression among the Lebanese youth population. This study aimed to investigate the association between attachment dimensions and anger expression (trait anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) among a sample of Lebanese adolescent participants.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed between January and May 2019 among 1810 Lebanese high-school students aged 12–18 and used two validated measures, the Adolescent-Relationship Questionnaire (A-RQ) and The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The A-RQ assessed attachment behaviors, while the BPAQ evaluated aggression.ResultsHigher fearful and dismissing attachment styles, and higher physical activity index were significantly associated with higher physical and verbal aggression. A higher fearful attachment style was significantly associated with more anger. A higher secure attachment style was significantly associated with less anger. Higher preoccupied and dismissing attachment styles were significantly associated with higher hostility.ConclusionOur findings revealed a significant relationship between both insecure attachment dimensions and the tripartite model of anger expression. This study adds to the anger literature by providing a more informed understanding of how variations in anger expression are linked to the processing of interpersonal interactions, which are the hidden facets of attachment systems.

A structural equatin model of the relationships between social-emotional competence, social support, depression, and aggression in early adolescents in South Korea

The current study examined whether social-emotional competence affects depression and aggression and whether social support serves as a significant mediator for Korean early adolescents.The current study surveyed 286 elementary school students at three elementary schools located in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do province in South Korea. Correlation analysis was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypothesized structural relationships among the latent variables. The key findings of this study were as follows. First, significant correlations among all variables including social-emotional competence, social support, depression, and aggression were found. Second, a structural model of social-emotional competence, social support, depression, and aggression was proved to be valid. Third, the direct effect of social-emotional competence on depression and aggression was not statistically significant, suggesting the complete mediating effect of social support. The results of this study suggest that social-emotional competence and social support play crucial roles in decreasing depression and aggression in early adolescents. Social support plays a significant role as a mediator between social-emotional competence, depression, and aggression. These findings indicate that social-emotional competence and social support is significant to decrease depression and aggression in early adolescents. These findings are significant because early adolescents’ depression and aggression could be prevented or treated by enhancing social-emotional competence and providing social support in educational and counseling settings.

Moderating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationships Between the Three Forms of Perfectionism with Anger, Aggression, and Hostility.

The prevalence of aggression in adolescents is on the rise, and it could be a serious public health concern. Studies have found positive relationships between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. However, the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility has not been studied. To better understand the relationships between the three forms of perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility, this study aimed to explore the moderating role of self-compassion. Participants were 380 undergraduates selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique from three universities in Iran. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire Scale. The results from structural equation modelling analysis showed that other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism positively predicted anger, aggression, and hostility. The results showed that self-oriented perfectionism significantly and positively predicted anger and hostility; but there were no observed statistically significant relationships of self-oriented perfectionism with verbal aggression and physical aggression. The findings showed that self-compassion played a moderating role in the relationships between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility; however, it did not play a moderating effect on self-oriented perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility among undergraduates. The findings of this study could be applicable for psychologists and counselors who deal with aggressive behavior, anger, and hostility in undergraduate students to assess the three forms of perfectionism and self-compassion.

The Effectiveness of Supportive Psychotherapy in Reducing Physical Aggression in Male Adolescents: A Single Case Study

The Effectiveness of Supportive Psychotherapy in Reducing Physical Aggression in Male Adolescents: A Single Case Study