“What causes adolescent aggression?”
My daughter is aggressive lately. What causeMy daughter is aggressive lately. s adolescent aggression?
3 Answers
AdolescentMedicineSpecialistInternist
Adolescent aggression can be caused by a mix of biological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Here are the most common contributors:
1. Hormonal Changes
• During puberty, hormones like testosterone and estrogen can affect mood and behavior, leading to irritability or outbursts.
2. Brain Development
• The prefrontal cortex, which manages impulse control and decision-making, is still developing.
• The amygdala, responsible for emotional reactions, can dominate—making teens more reactive.
3. Emotional Distress or Mental Health
• Anxiety, depression, trauma, or low self-esteem can manifest as anger or aggression.
• If your daughter is being bullied (as you mentioned), this may cause internal stress that comes out as aggression at home.
4. Family Dynamics
• Conflict, inconsistent discipline, or lack of emotional support at home can contribute.
• Even changes like divorce, moving, or loss can lead to acting out.
5. Peer Influence or Social Pressures
• Pressure to fit in, friendship drama, or feeling rejected can trigger defensive or aggressive behaviors.
6. Exposure to Violence or Negative Role Models
• Social media, TV, games, or real-life situations that normalize aggression can influence behavior.
7. Unmet Needs or Lack of Coping Skills
• Teens may act out because they don’t know how to express their emotions or needs in healthy ways.
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Your daughter’s aggression might be a signal—not just an attitude problem. It may be her way of coping with feeling unsafe, misunderstood, or hurt, especially if she’s dealing with bullying.
Dr. Soto
1. Hormonal Changes
• During puberty, hormones like testosterone and estrogen can affect mood and behavior, leading to irritability or outbursts.
2. Brain Development
• The prefrontal cortex, which manages impulse control and decision-making, is still developing.
• The amygdala, responsible for emotional reactions, can dominate—making teens more reactive.
3. Emotional Distress or Mental Health
• Anxiety, depression, trauma, or low self-esteem can manifest as anger or aggression.
• If your daughter is being bullied (as you mentioned), this may cause internal stress that comes out as aggression at home.
4. Family Dynamics
• Conflict, inconsistent discipline, or lack of emotional support at home can contribute.
• Even changes like divorce, moving, or loss can lead to acting out.
5. Peer Influence or Social Pressures
• Pressure to fit in, friendship drama, or feeling rejected can trigger defensive or aggressive behaviors.
6. Exposure to Violence or Negative Role Models
• Social media, TV, games, or real-life situations that normalize aggression can influence behavior.
7. Unmet Needs or Lack of Coping Skills
• Teens may act out because they don’t know how to express their emotions or needs in healthy ways.
⸻
Your daughter’s aggression might be a signal—not just an attitude problem. It may be her way of coping with feeling unsafe, misunderstood, or hurt, especially if she’s dealing with bullying.
Dr. Soto
There is no single answer to adolescent aggression or treatment for aggression. The key is to communicate with your child in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental manner to find out what is occurring in their mind. Your child may be struggling in school, being bullied, coping with depression, or even being abused by someone in the community. When your child becomes aggressive, try to ask what they need instead of scolding them. Once they feel that you do not understand, they are much less likely to open up and tell you the truth. Try to help your child co-regulate and continue to keep open communication. If your child is not willing to talk to you, bring them to a trained professional, such as a therapist or ask the school counselor to check in on them.
Great question. Some times aggression is actually depression in kids, depending on the age. Maybe start off with therapy. It also could be other issues as well such as medical and or drug use. Have her see her pediatrician for an evaluation and lab work up. And continue with therapy.
Hope that helps as first steps
Hope that helps as first steps
