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Normative Aggression and Violence

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The Development of Aggression and Violence in Adolescence

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is on the “big picture” of naturally occurring aggressive and violent behavior in the lives of adolescents. Prevalence rates are grounded in both nationally representative surveys in the United States, in meta-analyses of gender and other differences, and in longitudinal studies from childhood into the emerging adult years. Nationally representative samples of adolescents who were respondents in the biennial Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, have documented the decline in most forms of normative aggression over the past 20 years. Additional meta-analytic findings, nationally representative surveys, and longitudinal studies are used to further document developmental trends and individual differences found among middle and high school youth.

The meta-theoretical model outlined in Chap. 1 is used to identify developmental, personality, and situational risk factors for normative, commonly occurring aggressive behaviors. Gender differences in aggressive behaviors, favoring boys over girls, and the influences of family processes and pubertal changes are among the developmental risk factors which are discussed in research findings. Such underlying developmental changes are consistent with increases in the prevalence of aggressive behaviors during early adolescence. Personality risk factors increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior are high trait anger, sensation seeking, and low empathy traits. Situational risk factors discussed are the presence of aggressive cues, incentives for aggression, and substance use. Primary prevention strategies, such as those which are school-based, have been highly successful for children who are not at risk due to serious environmental disruption or individual propensity.

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  1. Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA

    Robert F. Marcus

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Marcus, R.F. (2017). Normative Aggression and Violence. In: The Development of Aggression and Violence in Adolescence. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54563-3_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54563-3_2

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