A new study has found that children have a tendency to become increasingly aggressive until they reach three-and-a-half years old, which is when they start to calm down. According to the researchers, the study findings may ultimately lead to the development of methods to prevent delinquency from infancy.
The experts set out to test the theory that aggression rises among toddlers but then peaks. The researchers tracked the behavior of over 2,000 boys and girls from the ages of 18 months to 13 years old. The investigation involved a series of interviews with mothers, teachers, and with the young participants.
The study revealed that the frequency of physical aggression increased up until the children were between the ages of three and four years old. After this point, there was usually a gradual decline.
However, the experts identified different patterns among boys and girls. They also noted several risk factors, including poor socioeconomic status, parents with lower education or higher depression, and a larger number of siblings.
There were some children who were prone to antisocial behavior into adolescence, which increases the risk for drug and alcohol abuse and violent crimes.
Child development specialist Richard Tremblay is a professor at the University of Montreal
“Family characteristics at five months could be used to target preschool interventions aimed at preventing the development of boys’ and girls’ chronic physical aggression problems,” explained Professor Tremblay
He said that identifying the factors which prevent young children from turning into responsible adults is key to addressing the issue.
“Interventions during pregnancy and early childhood may help to prevent high physical aggression in children in high-risk families.”
According to Professor Tremblay, the study findings confirm previous research which suggests that aggression begins in the first couple of years of life and reaches a peak between the ages of two and four.
“In most cases, this high frequency of physical aggression declines before children enter elementary school according to parent reports and continues to decline thereafter according to teacher and self-reports,” said Professor Tremblay.
“However, a small proportion of children maintain an atypically high frequency of physical aggressions during middle childhood and adolescence.”
“This high physical aggression trajectory is associated with a range of negative outcomes in adolescence and adulthood, such as increased risk of violent crime, school maladjustment and school failure, alcohol and drug abuse and social maladjustment.”
The study is published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer
FAQs
Physical aggression tends to increase in frequency until 30 to 42 months of age and then declines when children develop the ability to regulate their attention and emotions, control their impulses and use verbal communication to resolve conflicts and express needs.
Why is my 4 year old so physically aggressive? ›
They haven't yet learned how to control their impulses, or work out conflicts in socially acceptable ways. In other cases, kids may be wrestling with special difficulties — like stressful life events, emotional regulation problems, attention deficits, autistic symptoms, or hyperactivity.
At what age are children most aggressive? ›
According to Professor Tremblay, the study findings confirm previous research which suggests that aggression begins in the first couple of years of life and reaches a peak between the ages of two and four.
Why are children becoming more aggressive? ›
Environment is a contributor as well. Trauma, family dysfunction and certain parenting styles (such as harsh and inconsistent punishment) also make it more likely that a child will exhibit anger and/or aggression that interferes with his or her daily life.
Does aggression increase with age? ›
Furthermore, various studies have shown that the ageing process also has positive effects on aggressive behaviour, with age being negatively correlated with aggression, more specifically with physical aggression, although a negative relationship has also been found for verbal aggression and other aggressive behaviours ...
How to discipline an aggressive 4 year old? ›
When your child is being aggressive in ways you don't like, stop the behavior and give him something else to do. You may either suggest and help start a new activity or perhaps guide him to a place where he can discharge aggressive feelings without doing harm to himself, to anyone else, to toys, or to the family pet.
How to change aggressive behavior in a 4 year old? ›
They need you to teach them not to kick, hit, or bite when they are angry, but instead to express their feelings through words. Avoid threats. Rather than saying, "Stop it or else," it is always more effective to teach alternative behavior. Briefly ignore the minor misbehavior, then tell your child what to do instead.
What are the 4 types of aggression in children? ›
Aggression can be verbal or physical. There are four types of aggressive behavior: accidental, expressive, instrumental, and hostile. It is important to un- derstand these behaviors that children may display so your responses are effective.
How does aggression develop in early childhood? ›
Aggression may have a genetic component, and similarly, the environment in which an infant/preschooler is raised may influence the development of aggressive tendencies. Researchers today are emphasizing the interplay between genetics, the environment and developmental influences.
Does research suggest that the most aggressive age in humans is 4 years old? ›
Regardless of gender, children's physical aggressiveness peaks between two and four years of age but then starts diverging, as girls learn more quickly than boys to suppress such overt behaviors.
Dr. Nannette Funderburk has seen a rise in aggressive behavior from kids of all age groups, and thinks the pandemic shed light on the issues.
How to calm an aggressive child? ›
You could encourage your child to:
- count to 10.
- walk away from the situation.
- breathe slowly and deeply.
- clench and unclench their fists to ease tension.
- talk to a trusted person.
- go to a private place to calm down.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), these emotional outbursts are normal. 1 That's because your little one is just beginning to learn self-control and emotional regulation. Aggressive acts are often a way of exerting independence, expressing frustration, and testing social skills.
How does aggression develop? ›
The environment can contribute to aggression on many levels: interpersonal, social, group, neighborhood, economic, and cultural conditions can create the potential for or actual violence. Social: In social situations, frustrations can accumulate over time. This is known as an incubation period.
Is it normal for a 4 year old to have rage? ›
During the preschool years, tantrums are a normal part of life. Kids throw dishes or grab each other's toys because they don't have the vocabulary or social skills to express what they're feeling and needing. These outbursts give parents an opportunity to teach children how to express and regulate their emotions.
When should I be concerned about my 4 year old's behavior? ›
It's best to speak to your pediatrician or specialist if your child is exhibiting consistent undesirable behavior that puts them or other children in danger or makes social situations impossible. Your child may need a professional assessment or have special needs that need to be navigated.
What is intermittent explosive disorder in 4 year olds? ›
A child with IED may have impulsive behavior outbursts very frequently, or two or more outbursts per week for three months. Outbursts include temper tantrums, verbal or physical fights, the harming of an animal, or the damaging of property.
How to handle a child who is physically aggressive? ›
Do not reward angry or violent behaviour. Show your child how to use words to express feelings. Praise your child when they use words instead of fists. Engage your child in games and activities where playing well with others pays off.
