VIOLENT BEHAVIOR – RISK FACTORS

VIOLENT BEHAVIOR – RISK FACTORS

We live in a world where violence appears to be common and almost acceptable. On television, movies, and video games children are subjected to various kinds of violent, disrespectful and aggressive behavior. We can see this displayed by children acting out what they see. These behaviors can result in other behaviors such as lying and stealing. Children who begin to show aggressive, antisocial behaviors earlier in childhood are most likely, without intervention, to progress to more serious behaviors.

There are certain risk factors associated with children who go on to commit aggressive acts. There is no single cause, but all the risk factors should be considered in trying to understand a child’s aggression and risk for violent behavior. Here are some risk factors to be aware of: * (The risk factors stated here are not meant to diagnosis or label a child, they are simply observations that should be brought to your pediatrician).

TEMPERMENT

Children are born with different temperaments. It is the irritable, difficult to soothe child who is prone to overreact to frustrating experiences. These children are less able to monitor internal responses.

For example: The child who reacts strongly and violently when a toy is taken from him. The child’s reaction far out weights what has actually happened. This tendency is a trait that puts them at risk throughout life.

COGNATIVE ABILITY

Children with lower-than-average IQ and difficulty with verbal expression, planning, organization and self-regulation are more likely to be antisocial. Professionals can determine if school failure is causing the aggression and recommend the best course or action for the child.

IMPULSIVITY

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, with impulsivity can have a hard time being attentive. Impulsivity can play a role in anti-social, risk taking behavior.

FAMILY LIFE

Often when families are experiencing difficulties, parenting may become stressful. Children at risk often come from families at risk.

EXPOSURE TO AGGRESSION

Children who have witnessed, or been the victim of aggression, are more prone to becoming violent. Depending on the amount of aggression a child lives with, it may be viewed as acceptable behavior. The child’s aggression may reach unmanageable proportions. The more aggression a child is exposed to, the more they become desensitized to aggression and increase their aggression toward others.

WEAPONS

When children are exposed to weapons in the home, it can be very dangerous especially if those weapons are not kept in a safe place. Exposure and accessibility to guns has caused an increase in suicide and accidental shootings.

IMITATION

Some children with aggressive tendencies, who might not have considered a particular course of action on their own, may copy behavior that they see publicized. The exposure to news about violent events not only provides examples of behaviors, it also brings the people and events notoriety. Thus, the child with low self-esteem who is seeking to elevate his status and retaliate for feeling rejected or isolated may be provoked to use violent measures.

Here are additional warning signs you would want to look out for:

PRESCHOOL CHILD

• Many tantrums in a single day, and often the child cannot be calmed
• Have aggressive outbursts with no apparent reason
• Is excessively active, impulsive and fearless
• Poor adherence to rules, low frustration tolerance
• Fight with peers and hitting adults
• Does not appear to be attached to parents
• Engages in play with violent themes

SCHOOL AGE CHILD

• Has difficulty paying attention and concentrating; is often disruptive
• Often gets into fights
• Is quick to anger, blame and seek revenge
• Is preoccupied with aggression in games and television
• Is cruel or violent with pets
• Is often rejected by peers and seeks out aggressive children

Early intervention, when necessary, can go a long way in enhancing the quality of life for a child exhibiting emotional and/or social problems.. Avoid labeling the child as ‘bad’ or ‘aggressive’. You should view the BEHAVIOR as ‘bad’ or ‘aggressive", therefore It is the behavior that needs to be address. It is your child's pediatrician who is best able to recommend early intervention or programs to address the behavior.

Disclaimer

The information in this FACT SHEET is for general purposes only, and should not be construed as a substituted for professional advice from your health professional. We do not support self-diagnosis based on any information found in this fact sheet. We are not responsible for any self-diagnosis made by a reader based on information found in this fact sheet. It is merely meant to be an informational tool to present warning signs that should be brought to the attention of a medical doctor.