Aggression In Teens: Types, Causes, Symptoms

Aggression in teens refers to any behavior aimed at causing pain, harm, or injury physically, psychologically, and verbally. According to a 2023 study by Fauzi, F. A., et al, on aggressive behavior in adolescents, published in Frontiers in Public Health journal, aggression in teens normally takes two forms: overt (fighting, shouting) and covert (spreading rumors, isolating the victim).

Types of aggression in teens are physical aggression (physical harm or the threat of harm), verbal aggression (name-calling, insults, and threats), relational aggression (harming someone’s social relationships or status), and cyber aggression (using online platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate others).

Aggression in teens is caused by biological factors (hormonal changes, genetics), environmental factors (family issues, peer influence), and psychological factors (personality traits, mental disorders).

Aggressive behaviors in teens present in various forms including verbal aggression, physical violence, and antisocial behaviors.

Strategies for managing and preventing teen aggression include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), medication, and school-based interventions.

What is Aggression in Teens?

Aggression in teens is defined as behavior intended to cause harm or pain, whether physically, verbally, or psychologically. This behavior can be directed toward others, oneself, or objects. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), youth who exhibit aggressive behavior are not only likely to harm themselves but also their families, communities, and society.

According to Fauzi, F. A.’s 2023 study, ‘Aggressive behavior in adolescents: The importance of biopsychosocial predictors among secondary school students.’, five key factors predict aggression: ethnicity, dessert consumption, attitudes toward aggression, low income, and peer relationships. These explain 29% of aggressive behavior. Most teens reported teasing twice weekly and physical fighting once weekly.

Aggression in teens normally takes two forms: overt actions and covert actions. Overt aggression includes outward confrontational physical acts such as fighting and verbal actions, including shouting. Covert aggression is more secretive and manipulative. It takes the form of isolating the target of the aggression and spreading rumors about the victim.

What Are The Types of Aggression in Teens?

Types of aggression in teens are physical aggression (physical harm or the threat of harm), verbal aggression (use of words to cause harm, including name-calling, insults, and threats), relational aggression (harming someone’s social relationships or status), and cyber aggression (using online platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate others).

The common types of aggression in teens include:

1. Physical Aggression

Physical aggression is the most overt and recognizable form of aggression among teens. It involves direct physical harm or the threat of such harm. This includes hitting, kicking, pushing, and other forms of physical assault. Physical aggression is often more prevalent among boys than girls and is influenced by factors such as peer pressure, exposure to violent media, and family dynamics.

Research indicates that physical aggression in teens leads to serious long-term consequences. 

According to Henriksen, M.’s 2021 study, ‘Developmental Course and Risk Factors of Physical Aggression in Late Adolescence’, published in the Child Psychiatry and Human Development journal, teens who frequently engage in physical aggression are at a higher risk of substance abuse, academic problems, and legal issues later in life. Additionally, victims of physical aggression suffer from physical injuries, emotional trauma, and decreased academic performance.

2. Verbal Aggression

Verbal aggression involves the use of words to cause harm, including name-calling, insults, threats, and other forms of verbal harassment. This form of aggression is prevalent in both boys and girls. 

According to Atkin, C. K.’s 2002 study, ’Correlates of verbally aggressive communication in adolescents’, verbal aggression is widespread among adolescents. Their study of 2,300 teens aged 13-15 revealed that boys experience 119 incidents of verbal abuse annually while girls face 100 incidents per year. The data demonstrates a strong correlation between verbal and physical aggression. Eighth graders exhibited higher levels of verbal aggression than seventh graders. The research identified specific risk factors, with peer influence and consumption of violent music showing direct relationships to verbal aggression. The reciprocal nature of verbal aggression creates cycles where teens both commit and experience this behavior, leading to serious and lasting negative consequences.

The impact of verbal aggression on teens is devastating. Victims experience anxiety, depression, and a decline in self-esteem. Unlike physical aggression, verbal aggression is more difficult to detect and address, as it often takes place away from the eyes of authority figures. This form of bullying leads to long-term emotional scars and mental health issues for the victims​.

3. Relational Aggression

Relational aggression is a form of nonphysical harm where individuals manipulate social relationships or damage another’s reputation through tactics like spreading rumors, social exclusion, or sabotaging friendships. Commonly observed among girls, though not exclusive to them, it often targets peer dynamics rather than physical confrontation. This covert behavior is difficult to detect but has severe emotional impacts, including loneliness, anxiety, and depression, particularly in adolescents.

According to a 2007 study by NR Crick, on relational aggression and gender, published in the Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression, relational aggression involves nonphysical tactics where the aggressor manipulates the victim’s social standing or reputation. This includes spreading rumors, exclusion from social groups, and manipulating friendships to isolate the victim. Relational aggression is particularly common among girls, although boys are also perpetrators and victims​​. 

Teens who experience relational aggression usually struggle with trust issues and maintaining healthy relationships in the future​.

4. Cyber Aggression

Cyber aggression is a form of hostile behavior conducted through digital technologies and online platforms, characterized by intentional actions meant to harm, threaten, harass, or intimidate others in virtual environments. This includes a range of behaviors such as sending threatening messages, posting humiliating content about others, spreading false information, excluding individuals from online groups, and impersonating others online with malicious intent. Unlike traditional forms of aggression, cyber aggression can occur anonymously, reach larger audiences, persist indefinitely through digital records, and transcend geographical boundaries.

Cyber aggression causes significant damage due to its ability to occur at any time and reach a wide audience rapidly. Victims of cyber aggression experience feelings of entrapment, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. The permanence of online posts allows harmful content to resurface, continuously impacting the victim’s mental health and social life.

According to Selkie, E. M.’s 2016 study, ‘Cyberbullying Prevalence among United States Middle and High School Aged Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment’, a systematic review of 58 unique studies on US middle and high school students, cyberbullying perpetration rates range from 1% to 41%, with 4.9-21.8% reporting perpetration in the last 30 days and 15-41% within the last year. Cyberbullying victimization rates range from 3% to 72% across different time periods. Among students who reported involvement in cyberbullying, 2.3% to 16.7% experienced both perpetration and victimization.

What Are The Causes of Aggression in Teens?

The causes of Aggression in teens include biological factors (hormonal changes, genetics), environmental factors (family issues, peer influence), and psychological factors (personality traits, mental disorders). Neurological factors also play a role; for instance, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision-making, is not fully developed in teenagers, potentially leading to poor judgment and aggressive outbursts

The common causes of aggression in teens include:

Biological Factors

• Genetics: Genes play a significant role in teenage aggression through the influence of specific genes that regulate neurotransmitter activity and interact with environmental factors. According to Koyama, E.’s 2024 study, ‘Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review’, genetic factors account for 50-65% of aggressive behavior in children. Researchers analyzed 87 studies, with most including both sexe,s while 19% focused only on males. The most frequently investigated genes were MAOA, DRD4, and COMT. Twin studies demonstrated heritability rates for aggressive behaviors reaching 60%. Candidate gene approaches dominated the research field, representing 74% of all studies. Genome-wide association studies emerged in 2011 but remained limited by small sample sizes under 1,000 participants until 2016.
• Brain chemistry: Hormonal changes during puberty heighten emotional responses and impulsivity. According to Ramirez, J.’s 2003 study, ‘Hormones and aggression in childhood and adolescence’, testosterone indirectly affects teen aggression. Low HPA axis activity links to antisocial behaviors. Adrenal androgens drive violence in boys. Gender differences start prenatally. Hormones cause, result from, or mediate aggression. Psychosocial factors alter hormone action. Teen aggression emerges from biological, psychological, and social interactions, not just hormone levels.
• Neurobiological Factors: Conditions like traumatic brain injury, which affect the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes, lead to problems with impulse control and mood regulation, thereby increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior. According to Thijssen, S.’s 2015 study, ‘Brain morphology of childhood aggressive behavior: A multi-informant study in school-age children’, decreased amygdala volume correlates with aggressive behavior. Thinner cortex appears in the left precentral and right inferior parietal regions. Gender differences exist in cortical thickness associations, with opposite patterns in boys and girls within default mode network regions. Reduced cortical gyrification occurs in right hemisphere regions, including precentral, postcentral, frontal, parietal, and occipital cortex. The brain areas involved include the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These structural differences provide evidence for the neurobiological basis of aggressive behavior in young people.

 Environmental Factors

• Family Dynamics: Parenting styles and family environment play crucial roles in shaping a teenager’s behavior. Lack of supervision, inconsistent discipline, harsh punishment, or exposure to domestic violence contribute to the development of aggressive behaviors.
  According to Karriker-Jaffe, K. J.’s 2013 study, ‘Associations of Neighborhood and Family Factors with Trajectories of Physical and Social Aggression During Adolescence’, family conflict increases physical aggression by 0.169 points and social aggression by 0.191 points in adolescents. Girls from high-conflict families show the highest initial social aggression. Poor parent-child bonding leads to higher aggression levels, with faster increases in social aggression over time. Low parental control results in higher initial aggression levels for both types. Family environment directly impacts teen aggression patterns, with conflict showing the strongest negative effect.
• Peer Influence: Peer relationships and social dynamics also impact aggression. Bullying, peer rejection, and involvement with delinquent peer groups reinforce aggressive behaviors. According to Faris, R.’s 2012 study, ‘Adolescent Aggression: The Role of Peer Group Status Motives, Peer Aggression, and Group Characteristics’, both the aggressive behavior and status valuations of friends independently increase adolescents’ likelihood of aggression six months later. Friends’ aggression increases aggression probability by 20%, while friends’ status valuation increases it by 10%. Unreciprocated friendships exhibit particularly strong influence, with “out-friends” increasing aggression likelihood by 26%. Larger friendship groups also affect individual aggression, especially in groups that are larger and more segregated from others. This research demonstrates that aggression functions instrumentally for status attainment rather than simply indicating psychological maladjustment, with peer attitudes about status influencing behavior beyond direct behavioral modeling.

Psychological Factors

• Mental Health Disorders: Aggression is a symptom of various mental health disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). According to Connor, D. F.’s 2019 study, ‘Maladaptive Aggression: With a Focus on Impulsive Aggression in Children and Adolescents’, among children and adolescents referred for serious aggressive behavior, 93% were diagnosed with ODD, indicating a very high association between ODD and aggression.
• Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing physical or sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of aggressive behavior in teens. Trauma leads to heightened arousal and an exaggerated stress response, which may manifest as aggression. According to Katembu, S.’s 2023 study, ‘Childhood trauma and violent behavior in adolescents are differentially related to cognitive-emotional deficits’, experiencing abuse or neglect increased youth arrest by 53%. Adult offenders reported nearly four times more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) than control groups. Individuals with four or more ACEs face 4-12 times higher risk for violent behavior outcomes. The relationship follows a clear dose-response pattern, where each additional traumatic experience incrementally raises an adolescent’s probability of becoming a serious violent offender.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Aggression in Teens?

The signs and symptoms of aggression in teens include verbal outbursts, physical confrontations, antisocial conduct, impulsive reactions, and persistent hostility. Teenagers exhibiting aggressive tendencies demonstrate shouting or cursing, engage in pushing or property destruction, participate in bullying behaviors, show difficulty controlling their impulses, and display frequent anger episodes.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of aggression in teens:

• Verbal Aggression: This includes shouting, cursing, sarcasm, and insults. Verbal aggression is often a way for teens to express frustration or anger when they struggle to communicate their feelings effectively.
• Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of aggression include hitting, pushing, and taunting others to get a reaction. Teens also engage in destructive behaviors such as vandalizing property or harming animals.
• Antisocial Behaviors: Aggressive teens usually engage in behaviors that violate social norms, such as bullying, cyberbullying, stealing, or truancy. These behaviors often result in serious consequences at home, school, or within the community.
• Impulsive episodes: Frequent aggressive episodes that are difficult to terminate, often accompanied by remorse afterward.
• Hostility and anger outbursts: Frequent temper outbursts, easily annoyed, resentful, or angry moods that persist over time.

What Are The Consequences of Untreated Aggression in Teens?

The consequences of untreated aggression in teenagers result in academic problems, poor performance, relationship issues, and legal troubles. Unaddressed aggression has severe effects on individuals, families, schools, and communities. This leads to negative outcomes in mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and interactions with the criminal justice system.

Here are the key consequences of untreated aggression in teenagers:

Academic Problems

Aggressive behavior significantly hinders a teenager’s educational progress. Such behaviors result in disciplinary actions, suspensions, or expulsions from school, which disrupt their learning and contribute to academic underachievement.  According to Vuoksimaa, E.’s 2020 study, ‘Higher aggression is related to poorer academic performance in compulsory education.’, higher aggression directly relates to poorer academic performance with negative correlations ranging from -0.06 to -0.33. Meta-analysis revealed correlations of -0.20 for parental ratings and -0.23 for self-ratings. Twin studies confirmed this relationship (-0.17 for parental ratings, -0.16 for self-ratings), showing the negative impact persists across different ages, measurement methods, and educational assessments.

Relationship Difficulties

Aggressive teens isolate themselves from peers and family members. This behavior leads to strained relationships and a lack of social support, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and frustration. Aggressive teens often engage in bullying, both as perpetrators and victims, damaging their social standing and emotional well-being. Social isolation reinforces aggressive behaviors, creating a vicious cycle that remains difficult to break.

Legal Problems

Adolescents who exhibit violent behaviors are at a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities, ranging from minor offenses to serious violent crimes​​. In a 2017 article published by the US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), statistics showed that about 70 percent of youths in the juvenile justice system have underlying mental health issues, including untreated aggression. This involvement with the justice system can have long-term consequences, including incarceration, a criminal record, and limited life prospects post-incarceration.

Impact on Mental Health

Untreated aggression links to severe psychological issues. Teens exhibiting aggressive behaviors show a higher likelihood of developing conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, which persist into adulthood if unaddressed. These conditions feature chronic behavioral problems, including rule-breaking, deceitfulness, and hostility toward authority figures and peers.

According to Yu, S.’s 2024 study, ‘Aggressive behavior in adolescent patients with mental disorders: what we can do’, 10.63% of adolescents with mental disorders exhibit aggressive behavior. Having a history of past aggression increases risk by 2.7 times, being an only child by 2.6 times, and having an irritable personality by 2.3 times. Most incidents (78.6%) occurred at night, with nearly half (47.6%) happening on the first day of hospitalization.

Additionally, aggressive teens are at a higher risk for substance abuse as they turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with their emotions​. 

According to Ibrahim, F.’s 2012 study, ‘Substance abuse and aggressive behavior among adolescents.’, 95% of the 200 adolescents from three juvenile Henry Gurney schools in Malaysia demonstrated moderate to high levels of aggressive behavior. The data reveals 148 respondents (74%) exhibited moderate aggressive behavior, 42 respondents (21%) showed low levels, and 10 respondents (5%) displayed high levels of aggression. The research established a significant correlation between aggressive behavior and specific drugs: heroin (r = 0.016, p <0.05) and morphine (r = 0.181, p <0.05). This indicates adolescents who used these substances were more likely to demonstrate aggressive tendencies.

What Are The Strategies for Managing and Preventing Teen Aggression?

Strategies for managing and preventing teen aggression include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), medication, and school-based interventions.

Here are the common strategies to manage and prevent teen aggression:

Psychotherapy

Common psychotherapy techniques to manage teen aggression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent Management Training, and Family therapy.

Here are the psychotherapies in detail:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps teens develop strategies to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more effectively. It focuses on identifying anger triggers and developing coping mechanisms to prevent aggressive outbursts. According to Sukhodolsky, D. G.’s 2016 study, ‘Behavioral Interventions for Anger, Irritability, and Aggression in Children and Adolescents’, CBT demonstrates significant effectiveness for aggressive teens. Studies show a 52% decrease in parent-rated disruptive behavior for CBT recipients compared to 11% in control groups. The treatment includes Anger Control Training, Problem-Solving Skills Training, and Social Skills Training. Implementation involves assessing anger outbursts, identifying triggers, developing regulation techniques, and practicing appropriate social behaviors. Current research examines neural mechanisms of CBT for aggression across multiple diagnostic categories, confirming its empirical support as an intervention for adolescent aggression.
• Parent Management Training (PMT): PMT equips parents with techniques to handle their child’s aggressive behavior. This includes using positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior and developing consistent and fair disciplinary practices. According to Helander, M.’s 2024 study, ‘The Efficacy of Parent Management Training With or Without Involving the Child in the Treatment Among Children with Clinical Levels of Disruptive Behavior: A Meta-analysis’, Parent Management Training (PMT) reduced disruptive behavior with an effect size of 0.64, improved parental skills with an effect size of 0.83, and enhanced child social skills with an effect size of 0.49. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) demonstrated greater effectiveness in reducing disruptive behavior with an effect size of 1.22. The research covered 25 randomized controlled trials involving children aged 2-13 years with clinical levels of disruptive behavior. Adding cognitive behavioral therapy to PMT showed no additional benefits compared to PMT alone.
• Family Therapy: Family therapy helps address dysfunctional family dynamics that may contribute to a teen’s aggression. It aims to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and foster a supportive home environment.

Medication

Medication serves as a necessary tool to manage underlying mental health conditions contributing to aggression, including ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Medication requires use alongside behavioral and therapeutic interventions for optimal outcomes. 

According to Pappadopulos, E.’s 2006 study, ‘Pharmacotherapy of Aggression in Children and Adolescents: Efficacy and Effect Size’, medications reduce teen aggression by 56% overall. Methylphenidate reduces aggression in ADHD patients by 90% (tested in 844 subjects). Risperidone shows the same 90% reduction in 875 youth with conduct disorder and lower IQ. The data comes from 45 controlled trials, studying children, averaging 10.4 years old, over brief periods (7-70 days). Stimulants were the most tested medication type (40% of studies), followed by atypical antipsychotics (20%), antidepressants (13%), and mood stabilizers (13%).

School-based Interventions

Schools play a crucial role in addressing teenage aggression by implementing programs that promote social-emotional learning, conflict resolution skills, and anti-bullying initiatives. A safe and supportive school environment is essential for reducing aggressive behaviors.

According to Wilson, S. J.’s 2007 study, ‘School-Based Interventions for Aggressive and Disruptive Behavior: Update of a Meta-Analysis’, school-based interventions for teens with aggression show positive effects across 249 studies. For adolescents (49% of subjects: 29% aged 11-13, 20% aged 14+), targeted pull-out programs (43%) and universal classroom-based approaches (31%) demonstrate the strongest results. Intervention strategies, including social problem solving (39%), social skills training (34%), and anger management (29%), all produce comparable effects.

Can Learning Disabilities Contribute To Aggressive Behavior In Teens?

Yes, learning disabilities and communication issues lead to frustration and aggression in teens. According to a 2008 study by Milan A. et al, on learning disabilities and child altruism, anxiety, and aggression, published on the Statistics Canada website, children with learning disabilities showed less altruism, and high levels of aggression and anxiety. Addressing these challenges through educational support and tailored interventions can help reduce aggressive behavior.

Is It Normal For A Teenager To Be Angry All The Time?

Children in this phase of their lives are normally moody. 

According to the University of Utah Health publication, 2025, ‘Your Guide to Coping with an Angry Teenager’, teen anger is usually age-appropriate and normal. Factors contributing to teenage irritability include hormonal changes, desire for independence, social influences, increased responsibilities, and self-discovery. Psychologist Laura White explains that anger often masks deeper emotions like disappointment or embarrassment, as teens lack the emotional regulation skills of fully developed brains.

How Can Parents Help With Teenage Cyberbullying?

Parents help with teenage cyberbullying by providing emotional support, taking practical actions, and advocating for their child. When addressing teenage cyberbullying, parents should reassure their teens that they are loved and supported unconditionally. Parents should guide their children to disengage from the situation by temporarily stopping device use and not responding to the bully. They should also actively confront the issue by communicating with the bully’s parents and school officials to ensure appropriate intervention.

Are There Any Preventive Measures To Reduce Teenage Aggression?

Preventive measures to reduce teenage aggression include promoting healthy family dynamics and effective communication, educating teens about the effects of violence and aggression, and encouraging participation in positive social activities. In addition, a 2024 article from the CDC’s Youth Violence Prevention Centers, on preventing youth violence, parents, schools, and communities should help teens make healthy choices and promote respect among parents and peers.

How Can I Help My Aggressive Teen?

You can help the aggressive teen by maintaining open and non-judgmental communication, setting clear and consistent boundaries, and encouraging positive outlets for stress, such as sports or hobbies. According to an article from the National Health Service, on teen aggression and arguments, you should also consider seeking the help of a psychologist, a counselor, and a general practitioner if the problem gets out of hand.

What Is The Relation Between Oppositional Defiant Disorder And Teen Aggression?

The relation between Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Teen Aggression is that ODD often manifests as aggressive behavior in teenagers, although not all teens with ODD display aggression. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, and vindictiveness that can escalate into aggressive outbursts. While oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) itself focuses on defiance toward authority figures, the persistent anger and hostility associated with the condition can lead to aggressive behaviors when teens feel challenged or frustrated.

How Does The Teen Mental Health Parent Coaching Group Teach De-escalation For Teen Aggression?

The teen mental health parent coaching group teaches de-escalation by guiding parents in active listening, empathy, and managing triggers to reduce teen aggression. Techniques include reflective communication and problem-solving to address emotional crises calmly. The teen mental health parent coaching group emphasizes fostering trust and open dialogue, helping parents create a supportive environment to prevent escalation.