A Cross-Sectional Study of Aggression among School Adolescents in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are placed in critical stage of human development when they are stepping from childhood to adulthood. Worldwide, it is seen that aggression is one of the most common features in this group. Aims and Objectives:(1) To identify aggression among school-going adolescents and (2) To assess different sociodemographic characteristics associated with aggression among these students Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in one of the private schools in Karnataka from 1 st September to 1 st December, 2015 (3 months). Study population comprised of high school children studying in classes VIII-X. A pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the study subjects. For assessing aggression, a modified version of direct and indirect aggression scale (DIAS) was used. School authority permitted the study. An information sheet and consent form was given to each student. The consent form was to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school. Data was entered in MS-Excel. Data was analyzed by using frequency tables and significant association was established by chi-square test.Results: A total of 187 students participated in the present study. A significant proportion of adolescents scored very high on aggression scale. Males were found to be more aggressive than females and as the age of school children advanced, aggression scores also increased. And these results were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion:Overall, prevalence of aggression was high in adolescents, especially among males, late adolescents and Hindus and whose mothers were less educated. Understanding sex and age differences in the development of various types of aggressions during adolescence can guide the development of violence prevention programs. Such intervention programs should be started early in life to have the most impact on aggression during adolescence.

Delinquent behaviour and emotional intelligence among inmates of juvenile homes in Kerala, India

“…Delinquent behaviour is found to be high among inmates of Juvenile Homes. This finding is consistent with other studies, 18,20 and is expected as children who conflict with the law and those who need care and protection due to neglect or maltreatment are placed in juvenile homes. Studies reported an association between maltreatment and the ability to regulate emotions.…”

“…19 Delinquent behaviour, aggression, and substance use were reported in studies among school children also. [20][21][22] The importance of emotion regulatory strategies in the treatment of delinquent youth was also reported [23]. The present study aims to determine whether a child's emotional intelligence has any bearing on his delinquent behaviour.…”

Can Effective Parenting Reduce Anger Among Adolescents? An Evidence-Based Literature Review

“…In a study conducted at Karnataka, India more aggression is seen among boys whose mothers were less educated as compared to girls. That means educated mothers can help their children in reducing or managing their anger (Kumari et al, 2017 (Björling and Singh 2017). Keeping these pieces of literature in view, one question comes to our mind that how these negative angers can be controlled and is there any scientific evidence available in the literature.…”

“…It is very necessary to be aware of gender and age differences during adolescence as well as anger and aggression problem during this stage. To understand these things, intervention programs should be started early in life so that they can help to reduce aggression among adolescents (Kumari et al, 2017). However, in the lack of time and to develop policy especially for the adolescent government must conduct more research and conduct regular classes on health issues at school and college level with demonstration of good practices.…”

Mediating Effect of Attributional Biases in the Impulsivity–Aggression Relationship Among Adolescents: Therapeutic Implications

“…It is also a predictor of a broad spectrum of adult adjustment problems (Coie & Dodge, 1998). A study by Kumari et al (2017) studied the cognitive component of aggressive tendencies among Indian adolescents and found that one third of the adolescents who participated in their study had beliefs supporting aggression. It is noteworthy that 21% (about 243 million) of the Indian population comprises adolescents (United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], 2011), forming a significant demographic and economic force.…”