How much of an effect do you feel environmental factors vs. genetics (our biological disposition) have on the development of aggressive behaviors in children
How much of an effect do you feel environmental factors vs.
genetics (our biological disposition) have on the development of
aggressive behaviors in children
Anger is a natural feeling or emotion that everyone experiences due to frustration or other provocative situations. Aggression is the actions or behavior used to expose their anger, like hitting, verbal abuse, shouting, throwing things, breaking, bullying, teasing, and other physical abuse to themselves or others.
Studies show that children are born with an empty mind, they learn almost everything from their parents and caretakers. During early childhood, they have less self-control, and it gradually becomes stronger during the further development of an individual. So anger and aggression can be normal in many circumstances, as children do not know how to express their feelings and emotions. They will choose the easiest, stress-relieving, and attention-seeking behaviors to reach their goal.
If the level of aggression goes beyond the normal range and causes destructive factors, toward oneself, family members, peers, and others, then one needs to seek guidance from an expert.
Causes of aggressive behavior in children
The controversial question that arises in developmental psychology is, Which factors contribute more—genetics or environment?
Several studies have been done in this field, and the result says that both have an influence on forming aggression in children.
Genetic / biological factors: The probability of the transformation of genes from more aggressive parents to their kids is high. The presence of increased levels of testosterone, a male hormone, is another reason for aggression. It seems that males are more prone to aggressive behavior than females. Sometimes the high level of aggression in children will be due to factors associated with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, etc.
Reactive aggression is a form of response derived from frustration that shows high arousal, low self-control, and high impulsivity.
Proactive aggression is a type of aggression that has specific plans in place to achieve a goal. For example, a thief may attack people to conduct the robbery.
Studies say that, both reactive and proactive aggression have genetic as well as environmental influences.
Environmental influences, including those from the home, school, and media, have a big impact on how aggressive behavior develops in kids. They are closer to their family members, which increases the likelihood that they will learn via observation. Children who are both born and reared in stressful familial environments are more likely to experience mental health issues. They see how their parents respond to the upsetting circumstance and learn to adopt similar attitudes and coping mechanisms. Parents who are more active in disciplining all of their kids for small disobedience have a better likelihood of instilling similar behavior in their offspring.
Adults who try to channel their anger towards their children due to their busy lifestyle, job stress, marital problems, and interpersonal problems and deny their children's care and protection are likely to increase their aggressive behavior.
The effects of hereditary factors and the environment play an equal role in forming aggressive behavior in children.
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