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Aggressive Behaviors

"Aggressive behaviors" typically refer to those that threaten, attempt to, or engage in behaviors that could potentially harm another person.  The most typical aggressive behaviors among children are verbally aggressive behaviors, defined as name calling, making threats, using a harsh words, and/or screaming as well as physically aggressive behaviors, defined as hitting, spitting, kicking, and/or throwing objects at another person.  Behaviors, such as consistently being late, refusing to complete tasks, and making negative comments are often labeled "passive" aggressive behaviors and typically only seen in older individuals.

Aggressive behaviors are present during all stages of life and should be considered normal at certain points. They start in infancy with angry crying and according to normal development will eventually sort themselves into more defined states, such as frustration and assertiveness.  However, aggressive behaviors that occur in high frequencies, are intense in quality, or cause caregiver concern should be immediately addressed to determine their function.  Without proper treatment, these behaviors can quickly escalate to unacceptable, unsafe limits and hinder the social, academic, and emotional development of the child.