17. Aggression

Definition:

from http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/10/26/madmen1.gif

Verbal or physical acting out in a destructive, threatening or violent manner.
Causes:

• Fear
• Misinterpretation of intent of others: person thinks they are in danger
• Too much stimulation
• Psychosis



from http://www.gifninja.com/Workspace/3a247c4f-0a0d-438d-9bdd-7f03a81e6ea4/output.gif

• Drugs and alcohol: lower impulse control
• Loss of personal power and control: person feels they have no choices and no freedom

A PAST HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION IS A PREDICTOR OF AGGRESSION
SUCCESSFUL LIMIT SETTING
Keep it simple:

• Watch non-verbal behaviour
• Provide room for the person so they don't feel crowded

Give choices:

from http://www.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/253805_o.gif

• "You can stop yelling or you can take time out in your room"

Lower Stimulation:

• Turn off radio and tv and stereo
• Reduce room lights
• Have one person appointed as spokesman
• Have only 2 others in the room with you

Be Clear:

from http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/piemuncher11/StickViolence.gif

• Clearly describe behaviours that are unacceptable
• Don't ignore or minimize concerns
• Don't explain, defend, argue, debate
• Speak quietly, calmly
• Keep a safe distance

Enforceable:

• Clearly describe consequences and be sure that you will be able to enforce them
• Be realistic
• Apply consequences immediately



from http://www.freewebs.com/echoeyy/violent%20fight.gif

• Avoid power struggles

Reasonable:

• Be calm, factual, non-punitive
• Target only important issues
• Don't remind them of all the things they've done wrong in the past
• Maintain safety
• Avoid making it a public issue (don't discuss in front of a lot of other people)
• Consider if the person will be able to follow through with what you've discussed



from http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a210/JRuff/Art/smiley-big-speak.gif

• Have a plan ahead of time if you can
• After the incident, when the person is calm and able, discuss what happened and what changes might be made in the future to prevent a repeat