Aggression: 10 Signs, Causes, Types, Steps To Control It

Aggression refers to a set of behaviors characterized by intense anger, hostility, or violent behaviour towards others, often accompanied by harmful social interactions and an intention to inflict harm or damage.

What Is Aggression?

Aggression is a behavior ¹ that involves intentionally causing harm or injury to others. It can take many different forms, including physical violence, verbal attacks, and social exclusion. Aggressive behavior is often motivated by a variety of factors, such as anger, frustration, fear, and the desire for dominance or control.

Aggressive behavior in psychology is often explored through an interdisciplinary lens, combining insights from psychology, sociology, and biology.

While certain forms of aggression, like self-defense, are considered natural and even essential for survival, other types can be harmful and damaging.

Aggressive behavior may be aimed at individuals or groups, and it can lead to a wide range of negative outcomes, including physical harm, emotional distress, and social tensions.

Signs Of Aggression

Common ² signs of aggression include:

Physical signs such as clenching fists, pacing, slamming doors, or throwing objects
Verbal signs such as yelling, swearing, using insults, or threatening language
Intense or erratic behavior such as sudden outbursts, impulsive actions, or unpredictable reactions
Body language such as tense posture, glaring, standing too close, or making intimidating gestures
Hostile or confrontational attitudes such as blaming, accusing, being overly defensive, or provoking arguments
Social signs such as excluding someone, spreading rumors, or engaging in malicious gossip
Sexual aggression such as unwanted touching, inappropriate sexual comments, or coercive behavior
Use of weapons or objects as weapons such as knives, guns, or everyday items used with the intent to harm

Anger Or Aggression?

Anger and aggression are two related concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. All anger leads to aggressive behavior ³, and not all aggression is caused by anger. Because of this, while they are often linked, it is possible to experience anger without acting aggressively, and it is possible to act aggressively without feeling angry.

Anger refers to an emotion of intense displeasure or hostility that arises in response to a perceived threat or injustice. It is a natural emotion that is experienced by people of all ages and cultures.

Aggression, on the other hand, is a behavior that is motivated by anger or other negative emotions and involves an intent to harm or injure another person or group. While anger is an emotion, aggression is an action or behavior.

Moreover, while anger can be a trigger for aggressive behavior, many other factors such as social norms, cultural values, and situational factors play a huge role.

Types Of Aggression

Aggressive behavior can take many forms ⁴, ranging from unintentional actions to intentional acts that are meant to cause harm. The different types of aggression include:

1. Accidental Aggression

A non-intentional form of aggression that happens due to carelessness or lack of attention, for example, bumping into someone or knocking them over while rushing.

2. Expressive Aggression

An intentional form of aggression used to release emotions, not necessarily to cause harm, such as throwing objects, slamming doors, or other dramatic outbursts.

3. Hostile Aggression

A deliberate form of aggression aimed at causing physical or emotional harm, and examples include bullying, spreading harmful rumors, or engaging in verbal attacks.

4. Instrumental Aggression

A calculated and purposeful form of aggression used to achieve a specific objective, like hurting someone or damaging their reputation to get revenge or gain control.

5. Affective Aggression

A reactive, emotionally driven form of aggression that occurs in the heat of the moment, such as yelling during an argument or lashing out in anger.

6. Passive Aggression

A subtle, indirect form of aggression where negative feelings are expressed through avoidance or obstruction, like giving the silent treatment, being deliberately unhelpful, or withholding important information..

Aggression In Children The Youth And Adults

Manifestations Of Aggression

It can manifest in various ways depending on the individual and the situation. Some common manifestations ⁵ of the different types of aggression include:

1. Physical aggression

It refers to behavior that involves physically harming others or objects. It can range from pushing, hitting, kicking, or throwing objects, to more extreme forms like physical assault. This can result from frustration, anger, or a desire to exert power or control.

2. Verbal aggression

It involves the use of words or tones to harm or control others. Examples include yelling, swearing, insulting, or threatening. Verbal aggression can be used as a tool to intimidate others, assert power or control, or as a form of retaliation.

3. Passive aggression

It refers to behavior that is indirectly aggressive, such as ignoring someone, giving them the silent treatment, or being deliberately uncooperative. This type is often used to express anger or frustration in a non-confrontational way, but it can also be a sign of underlying resentment or a desire to avoid conflict.

4. Relational aggression

It is a form of aggression that involves using social relationships as a means of inflicting harm. Examples include spreading rumors, social exclusion, or damaging someone’s reputation. This is often seen in social settings such as school or workplace environments.

5. Sexual aggression

Sexual aggression refers to behavior that is sexually motivated and intended to harm or control another person. It can include unwanted touching, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. This type of aggression is a serious issue and can have long-lasting physical and psychological effects on the victim.

Root Causes Of Aggression

Research ⁶ attributes the common causes of aggression to the following:

Genetic predisposition toward violence (hereditary factors that increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior)
Personality traits linked to aggression (such as impulsivity, low frustration tolerance, or poor emotional regulation)
Neurochemical imbalances and brain dysfunction (including irregular dopamine or serotonin levels due to traumatic brain injury, meningitis, substance abuse, etc.)
Poor parenting and exposure to abuse or neglect (which can contribute to the development of aggressive tendencies)
Toxic or unsafe home environments (where aggression becomes a survival mechanism)
Growing up in violent surroundings (such as neighborhoods with high crime rates, gang activity, or constant conflict)
Learned aggression from peers or media (where aggressive behavior is modeled and normalized)
Lack of education or skills for managing emotions and behavior (leading to unhealthy expression of frustration or anger)
Underlying mental health conditions ⁷ like antisocial personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
Cultural beliefs that justify or glorify aggression and violence (which can reinforce harmful behaviors)

Effects Of Aggression On Mental Health

Aggression can arise from untreated mental health disorders ⁸ and have a negative impact on mental health and well-being. It can lead to distressing emotions related to:

Guilt [Read more]
Shame
Regret
Anger [Read more]
Anxiety [Read more]
Depression [Read more]
Trauma

Aggressive behavior can also lead to social isolation, strained relationships, and various mental health issues ⁹, including mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

It can result in a cycle of violence, where individuals become increasingly prone to aggression, leading to desensitization to violence and increased tolerance for aggressive behavior. Long-term exposure to aggression as a perpetrator or victim can perpetuate the cycle of violence.

How To Recognize Your Aggression

Consider the following ways ¹⁰ to recognize your aggressive tendencies:

Self-reflection
Feedback from others, like family and friends
Physical reactions of aggression such as clenched fists, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing
Keeping a journal to identify triggers and patterns of aggressive behavior
Seeking professional help and getting screened for chronic aggressive tendencies

Treatment Of Aggression

Treatment for aggression may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. However, common treatment options ¹¹ for aggression include:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to aggression. It can help individuals learn coping strategies and communication skills to manage anger and frustration.

Read More About CBT Here

2. Anger management therapy

This therapy aims to help individuals identify triggers and develop techniques to control their anger. It typically involves relaxation techniques, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies.

3. Psychodynamic therapy

This therapy focuses on identifying and resolving unconscious conflicts that may be contributing to aggressive behavior. It can help individuals gain insight into their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

4. Medication

In some cases, medication ¹² may be prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions that contribute to aggression, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications are commonly used to manage aggression in adults, For children and adolescents ¹³, pediatric SNRIs, beta-blockers, α-2 agonists, and antidepressants are administered to correct aggressive behavior.

How To Control Aggressive Behavior

Consider the following self-help tips ¹⁴ to manage and overcome aggression:

Recognize the things that trigger your aggression and try to avoid them or reduce your exposure. Triggers can include specific people, situations, or even certain thoughts and emotions that tend to fuel aggressive behavior.
Practice relaxation techniques ¹⁵ such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and calm yourself down before things escalate.
Use assertive communication to express your needs and feelings calmly and respectfully. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that can trigger your aggression.
Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support. Opening up to someone you trust can help you better understand your emotions and find healthier ways to cope with them.
Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. A healthy lifestyle can reduce stress and improve your overall mental and physical well-being.
If necessary, seek professional help. A mental health expert can assist you in uncovering the root causes of your aggression and guide you in building personalized strategies to manage it effectively, especially in mental health situations.

Managing Aggressive Behavior In Mental Health Settings

Takeaway

Aggressive behavior can have serious consequences for both the individual and those around them. For the person acting aggressively, it often results in heightened stress, guilt, shame, and a sense of losing control.

It can also cause physical harm — whether through injuries from altercations or property damage during outbursts.

That’s why it’s essential to develop healthy ways to manage and cope with aggressive feelings. Doing so not only helps reduce harmful consequences but also strengthens relationships and improves emotional well-being.

At A Glance

Aggression is a set of behaviors characterized by intense anger, hostility, or violent feelings toward others.
It is often accompanied by harmful social interactions and an intention to inflict harm or damage.
Aggressive behavior, in psychology, is often attributed to factors such as anger, frustration, fear, and the desire for dominance or control.
Aggressive behavior can take many forms, ranging from unintentional actions to intentional acts that are meant to cause harm.
The root causes of aggression are attributed to factors such as heredity, personality traits, neurochemical imbalances, poor parenting, etc.
In order to overcome aggression, one must avail psychotherapies, medication, and self-help coping strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main purposes of aggression?

The main purposes of aggression can include self-defense, establishing dominance, and protecting resources or territory.

2. Is aggression inborn or learned?

Aggression is both born and learned, as it is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

3. Does aggression get stable over time?

Levels of aggression can get stable over time for some individuals, but, for others, it may fluctuate.

4. Does aggression change with age?

Aggression can increase or decrease over time depending on various factors.

5. Is aggression influenced by culture?

Aggression can be influenced by culture, as different cultures may have varying norms and values around acceptable levels and expressions of aggression.

6. What causes aggressive behavior in children?

Many factors can cause aggressive behavior in children, including genetics, environmental factors, and learned behaviors.

Aggression

Table of Contents

What Is Aggression?

Signs Of Aggression

Anger Or Aggression?