What Causes Aggressive Behavior?
A number of factors may be responsible for the increased risk of aggressive behavior in both children and adults and these include: • Hereditary factors • History of violent or aggressive behavior • Exposure to violence at home, in the community or from the media • Use of drugs and alcohol • Being a victim of physical or sexual abuse • Socio-economic factors (poverty, unemployment, divorce or single parenting) • Presence of weapon such as firearms in the home • Behavioral conditions such as ADHD, Tourettes syndrome, bipolar disorder, ODD, PTSD) Usually the person who exhibits aggressive behavior is suffering from deeper emotional issues such as fear, insecurity, feelings of isolation, loneliness or despair. Acting out or blowing off steam by being aggressive is sometimes the only way they know how to give vent to their feelings. Children displaying aggressive behavior may become anti-social, have adjustment problems or develop learning disorders.
