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Aggression Through the Ages

NCJ Number
108127
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Fall 1987) Pages: 12-16
Author(s)
L D Eron
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Unchecked childhood aggression typically extends into adulthood, indicating that early intervention in children's aggressive behavior can prevent subsequent delinquency and adult criminality.
Abstract
A 22-year longitudinal study of a sample of subjects in New York documented maturational patterns until subjects were 30 years old. Findings show the stability of aggressive behavior that begins in childhood, as the children who manifested problem behavior continued to display aggressive and violent behaviors into adulthood. Factors that contribute to the emergence and continuation of aggressive behavior include socialization into aggressive behaviors, particularly by boys, by providing psychological and material rewards for such behavior; the prevalent portrayal of aggression on television; and childrearing practices that encourage aggression. Early intervention programs should focus on changing norms for the socialization of boys to parallel that for girls, i.e., the development of sensitivity, cooperation, and empathy. Preventive efforts should also focus on reducing television violence and children's exposure to it. Parents should be taught to monitor the whereabouts of their children, to discipline them for antisocial behavior, to use negotiation techniques to resolve family problems, and to model prosocial skills for their children. 13 notes.