| Toddlers |
Crying, screaming, biting, kicking, throwing, and breaking objects.
Aggressive behavior peaks before age 2. |
Genetic factors and Biological factors (e.g. birth complications, nutritional deficit, etc.).
Imitation of others aggression (Social Learning Theory).
After repeated exposure to specific social stimuli. (Social Information Processing Theory).
Psychosocial and environmental factors (such as poor parenting) |
Parents should present child with age/developmentally appropriate tasks and expectations. Parents must set limits on hurtful aggressive behavior. If there is a “trigger” to the aggressive behavior, the child can be removed from stimulus situation.
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| School-Age Children |
Teasing, irritability, bullying, fighting, cruelty to animals, and fire-setting.
Non-physical aggressive behavior (e.g., verbal, psychological) increases.
Symptoms of sexual or physical abuse to the child. It is important to assess for potential abuse in these patients. |
Classroom-based programs that emphasize skill-building, such as self-monitoring and self-regulating emotions and behaviors; increasing relationships among peers; and using communication skills to express anger, frustration, etc. Teacher-led classroom discussions about aggressive behavior to facilitate open communication about aggression as a problem and make students more aware of its existence, possible triggers, and consequences. Institute programs (e.g. massage therapy, relaxation breathing, music therapy) to reduce aggressive behavior Avoid use of physical restraints Inclusion of parents and family to reinforce learned skills in the home.
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| Adolescents |
More serious aggressive behavior and even violence appear.
Gang activities including stealing, truancy, etc.
Cross-gendered aggressive behaviors, including dating violence, date rape, and sexual assault.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for this group. |
Aggressive behavior that appears in only adolescence and disappears in later life (Adolescence-limited antisocial behavior).
Learned aggressive behavior in childhood that carried over into adolescence.
Depression, family and other relationship difficulties, and a family history of suicide (or personal history of suicide attempts) may place an adolescent at greater risk for suicidal behavior.
Substance abuse |
Teaching conflict resolution and social competency in the classroom setting. Target specific risk factors associated with adolescent aggressive behavior, such as underage alcohol use. Classroom discussions, including role playing and skill rehearsal, to help adolescents learn coping strategies and problem solving. Creating a positive academic environment, including extracurricular activities, sports, and arts programs. Additionally, a positive school environment should include the presence of teachers and other professionals who convey a caring and supportive attitude toward students. Institute programs (e.g. massage therapy, relaxation breathing, music therapy) to reduce aggressive behavior
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| Adults |
Domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, and homicide.
Highest homicide rate among age groups. |
Drug use
Traumatic brain injury to areas responsible for managing aggression and impulse control |
Use of the prevention strategies for children and adolescents mentioned above, particularly school programs, (where children and teens spend much of their time), may prevent aggressive behavior later in adulthood. Occupational programs that focus on awareness of workplace violence, bullying, and anger management. Target specific risk factors associated with adult aggressive behavior, such as substance abuse If necessary, prevent harm to vulnerable parties (e.g. children)
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| Elderly |
Older adults in nursing homes due to daily interactions with staff and other residents.
Aggressive behaviors aimed at caregivers center on intimate care practices or those that cause pain.
Aggressive behavior aimed at fellow residents in the context of excessive vocalization, territoriality, arguments with roommates, and general loneliness or frustration. |
The emergence of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease may result in misunderstanding of motives. Aggression may result from this confusion.
The annual incidence of homicide-suicide is higher in adults 55 years and older and typically occurs more among couples.
Multifactorial etiology |
Many preventive interventions have been proposed and tested to reduce aggressive behavior among persons with dementia. These include managing pain, including administering analgesics prior to personal care; knowing and honoring the resident as a person; communicating clearly, calmly and in a warm manner; explaining actions before performing them to reduce surprise or startle; involving the resident in performing self-care; staff consistency in assignments; avoiding use of restraints; and environmental stimulus control (e.g., providing lighting, reducing noise and confusion). Implement special care units for aggressive patients Special training for the staff on how to deal with aggressive behavior in older adults
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