Aggressives Verhalten von Kindern und Interventionen auf der elterlichen Paarebene

Abstract

Parents go to see child guidance counselling services for many different reasons. Behavioural problems or rather enraged or aggressive behaviour of children and adolescents towards their siblings or parents is a frequent issue in counselling practice. The current article takes a closer look at the range of problems around defiance, anger and aggression from a developmental and systemic point of view. The meaning of these negative affects within the family system is elaborated. Empirical studies show a clear connection between children's problem behaviour and frequent and destructive interparental conflict. So called spill-over-effects play a crucial role in explaining this connection. From a systemic perspective thus the child is seen as a symptom carrier, which shifts the focus of counselling on the interaction between parents as well. Consequently, family therapeutic sessions on the couple level are often indicated. Do parents succeed in constructively solving their conflicts, typically the aggressive behaviour of the children is reduced, too. On the basis of a compound single case such a process is illustrated.

Coparenting Problems and Parenting Behavior as Mediating Links Between Interparental Conflict and Toddlers’ Adjustment Difficulties in Germany

“…In summary, despite these limitations, this study highlights the role of parents' partnership and coparenting quality as determinants of children's well-being, even at this young age. Our fi ndings provide strong support for targeting the interparental relationship in eff orts to prevent children's stress and negative development (see Lux & Hudeček, 2015). It also points to the value of considering parents' gender when looking at family dynamics.…”

The Significance of Interparental Conflict for Children

“…Researchers and practitioners increasingly recognize the significance of the interparental relationship in child therapy. Most recently, Lux and Hudecek (2015) discussed children’s aggressive and angry behaviors from a systemic point of view and stressed the role of therapeutic interventions at the level of the parents’ relationship in treating these symptoms. They reported a single case to exemplarily illustrate that interparental discord is often detoured to the parent-child relation.…”

Familien mit erhöhtem elterlichen Stress und Konfliktpotential: Eine Zielgruppe für psychosoziale Unterstützungsangebote?

“…Eltern erhalten dort nicht nur eine individuelle Unterstützung bei familienbezogenen Problemen, wie z. B. bei elterlichem Stress, gerade das eigene Erziehungsverhalten und Belastungen durch familiäre und elterliche Konflikte können bearbeitet werden [20]. Das Angebot der längerfristigen aufsuchenden Betreuung und Begleitung ist insbesondere auf diejenigen Familien ausgerichtet, die eine psychosoziale Belastung haben und mit einer "Komm-Struktur" nicht zu erreichen sind.…”