Posts

Anger and aggression in children - a normal stage of development or a problem?

Interview with a Professional - Answers to Questions You May Be Interested In

Our guest was Lana Abashidze, Master of Psychology, Behavioral Therapist, Supervisor, and Student of the Behavior Analyst Certificate Program at Ilia State University.

Anger is an emotional state that can be caused by frustration, negative attitudes, or hostile environments. It is part of our defense and survival instinct. That is why we can all experience it, but how we express this emotion is important because managing it affects our relationships and our overall well-being.

Aggression is a deliberate behavior that can stem from anger. Aggressive behavior is when a child or young person reacts in hostility towards peers, siblings, or adults. It can include verbal and physical aggression.

Your child or young person might be aggressive for many reasons. They might be feeling anxious and unsafe. They could be experiencing peer relationship difficulties. They might be having difficulty expressing how they feel or what their wishes are. Or they could just be trying to get their way.

Children and young people with conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing difficulties might also display aggressive behavior when they feel out of control, overstimulated, or anxious, or when they’re finding the sensory environment difficult.