Factors Contributing to Aggressive Behavior

There is no single explanation for aggressive behavior and many different factors contribute to it. Factors associated with aggressive behavior include:

• History of physical fighting or vandalism
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• Discovery of detailed plans to commit violence
• Making direct, veiled or conditional threats of violence
• History of controlling others
• Excessive need for attention or respect
• Feelings of low self-worth
• Early childhood abuse or neglect
• Witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media
• History of being bullied
• Easy access to weapons

If you have concerns that a student might become aggressive in the future, and if you decide to speak with the student privately, use the following:

• Leave your office door open.
• Alert a nearby colleague in advance.
• Be simple and direct as you speak.
• Express your concern to the student citing the worrisome behaviors you have observed.
• Be non-judgemental.
• Be consistent.