Physical and Verbal Aggression

Aggression is a behavior that has the intentional potential for harm that is aversive to the victim while stimulating for the aggressor. While a certain amount of conflict is typical of childhood peer relations, time-withstanding aggression may negatively impact typical, healthy youth development. These verbally or physically aggressive behaviors may be interpersonal, serve a secondary or primary function, be independently initiated or provoked, and be direct or indirect in nature. In this entry, the development of aggressive behaviors in children is examined through an ecological systems model. Child psychopathology associated with these behaviors is noted, as are interventions for these behaviors.