Aggressive Behavior among Peers

            Individual factors such as problem solving skills, self-regulation skills, and language are associated with youth who engage in aggressive behaviors. Some children and youth lack the social skills necessary to avoid engaging in aggressive behaviours. They are more likely to exhibit deficits such as poor impulse control, low frustration tolerance, limited ability to generate alternative responses to stress, and limited insight into the feelings of themselves and others. This inability to correctly process social information can cause youth to misinterpret social cues and assume others have a hostile intent during conflicts. Since these youth have fewer skills than others to cope with their frustrations, they lose control more quickly and engage in aggressive behaviours during times of stress. In addition, family factors such as interaction, discipline, and communication patterns are associated with youth who engage in aggressive behaviours. School factors, such as support and approach to discipline, also play a role. Furthermore, youth may face serious stressors and lack adult support or role models for dealing with difficulties.