Controlling Aggression in Adolescents

There are lot of causes to why adolescents get easily and more aggressive in this age. And to these there are lot of solutions of controlling aggression. Is your teenager showing signs of aggression at home? Well, you are not alone. Many parents complain about their adolescent children, claiming they are quite aggressive, be it at home or outside.

Teenage years are filled with physical and chemical changes. This creates confusion and uncertainty in the minds of teenagers. Furthermore, during this stage, teenagers begin reassessing their role in the society and family. All these factors together could result in aggressive outbursts among adolescents, who do not know how to vent or channelize their confusion . 

TRAUMATIC EVENT:

Death or illness of a loved one, divorce or extreme sibling and peer harassment is extremely stressful and can lead to aggression in teenagers. Even ongoing fights and discord in the family, especially among parents, can cause such a behavior. 

ABUSE:

Physical or sexual abuse is another reason fr aggressive behavior among teenagers.

• This abuse makes them feel angry , inadequate and ashamed.
• Because they are unable to tell anyone about the abuse, it manifests in the form of aggression.
  

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS:

Some teenagers may suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Depression

All these disorders cause aggressive behavior.

ADDICTION AND ABUSE:

Many teenagers experiment with drugs and alcohol. However, when they become addicted or start abusing alcohol and drug regularly, it can lead to aggressive behavior.

PEER PRESSURE:

Teenagers learn to be accepted and become part of group. If this does not happen, it can cause pain and anger, leading to aggressive behavior.

LOW SELF- ESTEEM:

Some adolescents have low self-esteem and try to cover this up through aggression. This especially true when they are among their peers.

4 Solutions To Teenage Aggression:

COUNSELING:

Take your teenager for individual counseling.

• Talking to trained and licensed professional is recommended.
• This can make your adolescent take responsibility for their behavior and also resolve problems with their relationships.

FAMILY COUNSELING:

It could be a good idea to involve the whole family in counseling.

• Talking to another and being guided by professional and trained therapists can be extremely helpful.
• This can resolve conflicts and relationship problems that are causing aggressive behavior in your teenager.

HOUSE RULES:

Create a set of house rules that your adolescents have to follow whether they like it or not. 

• Make the rules clear. 
• Also let your teenager know that he or she will have to bear with the consequences, if the rules are broken.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:

Teach  relaxation techniques to your teenagers to cope with their stress.

• If your teenager is burdened with homework or experiences extreme peer pressure, this will be quite useful.
• Also, in turn, this will ease aggressive behaviors.
• Teach them to use the techniques when they get angry and stressed.