On the issue of adolescent aggressiveness: a theoretical review

Abstract

Background. The age-related development of adolescents is accompanied by significant physiological and psychological changes. Being unable to cope with changes and external events, a teenager may become more aggressive. A high level of aggressiveness can lead to the choice of unconstructive response strategies in conflicts. Most studies on adolescent aggression were conducted before 2020. However, since 2020, there have been a lot of changes in the world that have affected teenage children. At the same time, studies practically do not consider the contextual factor influencing the increase in aggressiveness of adolescents. One of the objectives of this study is to systematize the factors of adolescent aggressiveness, including the contextual factor, which reflects novelty.

Objective. The study focuses on a theoretical analysis of the characteristics of adolescent aggressiveness.

Methods. Theoretical analysis of literature on the research problem, synthesis, generalization, specification.

Results. Features of teenage aggressiveness lie in its causes. Firstly, adolescence is a period of global restructuring of the body, transition from a child’s position to an adult. This can lead to emotional instability, which can manifest itself in aggressive behaviour. Secondly, in adolescents, aggression is often expressed directly in aggressive behaviour, while in adults it often manifests itself in a socially acceptable form. Thirdly, the environmental factor has a great influence on the increase in the aggressiveness of adolescents. Fourthly, in adolescents, aggressive behaviour in real life often comes out into online communication. Fifthly, contextual factors also influence the aggressiveness of adolescents.

Conclusions. Teenage aggression has its own characteristics. Adolescence is a favorable period for correcting aggressive forms of behaviour, since the adolescent’s psyche is plastic and amenable to change. In this case, support from teachers, psychologists, and parents. who can use measures to prevent adolescent aggression, plays a special role.