In Search of the Roots of Adolescent Aggression

  It may seem odd to include an article on adolescent aggression in a blog space dedicated to library materials for tweens, however I received great insight into the developmental stages of life and especially those that affect tweens.  

  The focus of the article is an attempt to understand and perhaps find the root of those especially violent aggressive acts perpetrated by a relatively small number of adolescent males.  Primary to the understanding is the role that the brain plays as a response system in humans.  The primarily cortical system which is slow and analytical and the primarily subcortical system which is fast, conceptual and reflexive.  

Astounding to me is the fact that “We go through seven profound biological changes during our life, and three of these generally occur from ages 10 to 14 - the middle school years!”  Birth, death, loss of reproductive capabilities and loss cognitive abilities are four of the biological changes.  The three which occur in a portion of the tween years are; shifting from childhood to puberty (the beginning of reproductive capability), shifting from concrete to formal operations (the maturation of intelligence) and shifting from an authoritarian to consensus morality (the maturation of personal and social identities). (p.67)  It is important for adults in the lives of this age group to be aware of these profound biological changes and to relate appropriately.  

  I appreciate that the author declares that there is not just one cause that can be linked to aggression.  Parents and environment, technology, violence, malfunctioning brain activity, chemical imbalance, drugs, and testosterone can all contribute to events leading up to deadly violent acts.

  Offered as strategies to reduce adolescent aggression are “intervention programs that will help develop social skills and coping strategies” and reducing stereotyping and ridicule. 

The author has taken a contemporary issue and through a well- researched investigation attempted to articulate possible causes and even more importantly offered strategies to reduce the adolescent aggression which has produced some horrifically tragic results. 

Sylwester, R. (1999). In Search of the Roots of Adolescent Aggression. Educational Leadership, 57(1), 65. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.