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Withholding emotions may cause aggressive behavior in kids

By Staff Writer

Teenagers are notorious for brushing off their parents' attempts at conversation and preferring to spend their free time alone, if not with their friends. However, those who do not have an outlet for their emotions may experience bouts of aggression due to bottled-up feelings, according to a recent study published in the journal Psychological and Personality Science.

By using sentiment-provoking scenes from movies, the researchers examined behavioral changes among two groups of subjects. They found that when compared to uninhibited individuals, participants who were asked to refrain from expressing emotion were more likely to act aggressively after the clip ended.

The group members' assertiveness was measured by a task that required them to "blast" an unknown individual with loud noises. On a scale of one to 10, the subjects who had asserted self control while they watched the film began blasting at an average score of seven. Those who acted of their own free will were less aggressive, due to their lower blast initiations of five.

Young adults who exhibit behavioral problems may benefit from attending boarding schools, where they can learn to express their emotions in an effective way and reduce aggression.

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