Aggression, Essay Example

Aggression can be defined as any action that can cause physical, emotional or psychological harm to oneself or others or even items within the immediate environment. An individual may display aggression in several ways, and this may include physically, emotionally, verbally and mentally.

There are several sources from which aggression or aggressive behavior may root from an individual. It has been suggested that genetic traits can be responsible for aggressive behavior especially in men who have an extra Y chromosome. Konrad has suggested that aggression is an innate quality which is inherited naturally just like in other animals. Learning difficulties may result in aggression. Also, brain damage and abnormalities may cause aggressive behavior. Social factors such as poverty and overcrowding may be a reason for aggressive behavior. Studies in Endocrinology have showed relations of hormonal imbalance to aggressive behavior. Despite the various origins of aggression, it is a fact that aggressive behavior can still be learnt.

It is crucial to know the different, aggressive behaviors displayed between boys and girls or men and women. Female characters tend to display what is referred to as relational aggression (proactive and reactive aggression). This is manifested through gossip and manipulation. Males on the other hand, have a propensity to be more physical aggressively as compared to their female counterparts. Children may not need to observe others so as to have a temper tantrum. Aggressive behavior may start developing from as early as pre-school. Research has shown that, a violent child is likely to be more aggressive in the future if he or she is not helped by professional psychiatrists. It is highly unlikely for an individual who was not aggressive to become aggressive over night.

Other research has showed compared to boys most girls will tend to reduce their level of aggression earlier in life. Although this was meant for physical aggression it was found to be that from the ages of four up to seven girls would increase non physical aggression. Certain risk factors can lead women to have physically aggressive children. These include low income, low education level, early age pregnancy and smoking during pregnancy. It is extraordinarily clear that the media is portraying a lot of violence and, in addition technology including the Internet, has now led to what is called Cyber aggression. This has lead to children imitating what they see on TV. Children develop violent scripts in their brains after a long time of exposure. Therefore, aggressive behavior in adulthood can be rooted back to an individual’s childhood experiences and influence.

References

Dodge, A., Bates, J. & Pettit, S. (1990). Mechanisms in the cycle of violence. Science, 250:1678-1683.