Psychological Correction of Aggression in Adolescence

Aggression is any behavior that threatens or harms others. It aims to insult or inflict pain on someone who does not wish for such treatment. Nowadays, teenage aggression is a global issue. During adolescence, various psychological traumas form, leading to the development of aggression. Aggression in adolescence can be a serious problem affecting the psychological well-being of teenagers, their social relationships, and academic performance. Psychological correction of aggressive behavior in adolescents is an essential aspect of their overall development and adaptation. Modern reality forces us to reconsider the issue of teenage aggression in society. Aggressive behavior today is more common than exceptional. Young people live in an era of rapid suppression by adults. The characteristics of aggressive behavior, involving the emotional sphere of the individual, exacerbate moral dissonance and the formation of stress and depressive states.A worrying symptom is the increasing number of minors exhibiting aggressive behavior through antisocial actions (alcoholism, vandalism, drug addiction, disorderly conduct, hooliganism, etc.).

Keywords: Teenage aggression, alcoholism, drug addiction, various types of psychological trauma.

Currently, aggression among teenagers is on the rise and, unfortunately, has become commonplace. However, when discussing teenage aggression, we encounter more serious issues affecting psychological and mental states. Being in an aggressive state leads to anger, fear, or depression, impacting psychological conditions, overall mood, and emotional well-being. Consequently, a person’s mental state begins to destabilize, increasing stress and anxiety levels, leading to mental disorders such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). These disorders hinder teenagers’ social adaptation, affecting crucial aspects of their lives like self-awareness, emotional understanding, self-control, confidence, concentration, learning ability, and relationships with loved ones. This problem forces us to reconsider approaches to teenagers as it becomes increasingly relevant.

Today, adolescence is a period of active personality formation where even minor factors have long-term consequences. Aggression, as one of the most common manifestations in youth, becomes a significant challenge for us and society, requiring specialized and effective methods of overcoming it.

Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Ph.D., a leading specialist in adolescent psychology at the University of Cambridge, actively researches teenage aggression and develops correction methods. Professor Blakemore specializes in the external and internal factors influencing aggressive behavior in teenagers.

The methodological basis of the study consists of a range of general psychological principles, with special emphasis on a systems approach (Ludwig von Bertalanffy, B. G. Ananyev, A. N. Leontiev, etc.)

Ludwig von Bertalanffy was one of the founders of the general theory of aggression systems. In his theory, aggression was considered a systemic phenomenon resulting from the interaction of various components such as psychological, biological, and social.

Boris Ananyev was known for his research on the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors on personality development, focusing on age characteristics.

APPROACH

• An individualized approach considering the unique characteristics of each aggressive teenager.
• Psychological counseling and support were vital in combating age-related crises.
• Emphasis on the development of self-regulation and emotional resilience through cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Alexander N. Leontiev was renowned for his research on consciousness activity, viewing behavior as goal achievement.

APPROACH

• Changing the teenager’s motivation by integrating productive activities into daily life.
• Focused work on setting and achieving positive goals.
• Development of essential skills like self-control and constructive behavior through training or therapeutic groups.

Based on the above achievements, it is safe to say that each scientist contributed to understanding and correcting aggressive behavior in teenagers. Their approaches combined attention to systemic analysis, intervention, and individual approaches, effectively dealing with aggression by fostering personality development in adolescents.

RESULTS

The psychological correction of aggression in teenagers showed exceptionally positive results for all study participants. Methods like group sessions and individual consultations helped reduce manifestations of aggression and increase self-control. Teenagers participating in the program demonstrated reduced physical and verbal aggression and improved interpersonal relationships.

The study also highlighted the importance of early support from parents and schools. Results showed that involving parents led to more sustainable behavioral changes in teenagers. Group sessions helped teenagers develop skills for constructive communication and conflict resolution, positively impacting their behavior.

The study results align with global data on teenage aggression issues. According to WHO (World Health Organization), violence among teenagers leads to aggression, resulting in numerous injuries and even death. Annually, there were 176,000 murders among youth starting from 15 years old, accounting for 37% of all murders (World Health Organization (WHO)). Violence and aggression could manifest in physical attacks or bullying, leading to long-term psychological and physical health problems (World Health Organization (WHO)).

Correcting aggression in teenagers using these methods can significantly reduce the risks associated with moral and physical violence. Approaches involving support from parents and teachers had the most significant effect. It is crucial to remember that programs aimed at reducing aggression should consider all problem complexes, such as individual factors, family factors, and social risk factors.

The study also highlighted the importance of early support from parents and schools. Results showed that involving parents led to more sustainable behavioral changes in teenagers. Group sessions helped teenagers develop skills for constructive communication and conflict resolution, positively impacting their behavior.

• World Health Organization (WHO). Youth violence.
  Available at: WHO — Youth violence
• World Health Organization (WHO). Violence against children.
  Available at: WHO — Violence against children
• World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health of adolescents.
  Available at: WHO — Mental health of adolescents