OVERVIEW

Aggression is a common, serious problem that must be understood so that it can be dealt with effectively. It stems from biological and social causes, making it difficult to comprehend.

DATA

Psychiatrists and behavioral scientists are trying to address the problem of physical aggression, or "outright attacks that result in injuries or death." It has been found that there are several biological correlates of aggression:

• Low levels of a brain chemical which reduces the action of nerves.
• A high level of the male hormone testosterone in males.
• An extra Y chromosome (the female sex chromosome) in males.

However, compared to animals, humans show incredible restraint and control over aggression due to their sophisticated neocortex, the "thought" part of the mind. Estelle Ramey, a professor of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University, writes: " ‘Men don’t urinate on the living room floor, even when they are in agony...Similarly, young men learn quickly who it’s safe to be aggressive toward.’ " This leads to the theory that aggression is learned and fostered in childhood, having been dictated by the will of the parents and society. When children see their parents regularly fight, they tend to copy their actions. The same holds true for violence on TV.

SOLUTIONS

Two ways of dealing with childhood aggression are suggested in this article:

• Regulate the amount of exposure to violence and aggression on the television and in the home.
• Place children in a room for five minutes if their behavior is aggressive. This is called a "time-out".

RELATED FACTS

Almost ninety percent of violent crimes in the U.S. are committed by men. This is because American society conditions people to believe that it is acceptable for males to act aggressively but unacceptable for females. Also, biology influences behavior, through brain chemicals and sex hormones.

CONCLUSION

Aggression is hazardous to all. Every year, more than 50,000 Americans are murdered or commit suicide. It seems that the only defense against extreme aggression is violence in return (e.g., vigilantism) or self-controlling treatments such as lithium therapy.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Aggression is an important topic which affects us all.
2. Although aggression is natural and is affected by biology, genetics, chemistry, and society, people still learn how to control it or correct it.
3. There are usually two people involved in an aggressive act—the aggressor and the victim. Sometimes these two personalities reside in the same person, as in suicidal individuals. Aggression needs to be addressed for the sake of both the aggressor and the victim.
4. It is essential to help a person who has an aggressive nature, so that he (or she) can lead a happier, more peaceful life.

Gregg Vanourek and Anne Montague cCYS