Lost in “yourself” why aggressive to me?

Well, this is the question that we usually ask to our near ones when they keep fighting with us for no reason. Those near ones are generally adolescents who became so frustrated when you just say hello! It sounds awkward, doesn’t it? May be they are the victims of “peer pressure”. Let’s think about it more. As soon as term “peer pressure” is heard picture of a teenager struggling with “self” emerges instantly in our minds. Where teenage is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood in which many physical, psychological and social changes take place, it is a crucial stage of life more prone to peer pressure.

“Peer” refers to the people belonging to a same age as of yours influentially (for example, classmates, colleagues and friends). Peer pressure is the stimulation and longing in “self” for the things that peers do. It can have both negative and positive impacts as adolescents look for approval and support from their pals. They could motivate you for better or drive you to criminal behaviors. Many researchers point out that adolescents feel an immensely strong need to belong to a certain group which can lead adolescents to engage in risky behaviors. It may result into adolescent aggression whose main aim is to hurt others.

According to one opinion, aggression and anti-social behavior is a sign of low self-esteem. This view suggests that individuals with low self-esteem behave dominantly or aggressively mostly in order to increase their own self-esteem. On the other hand, some researchers claim that aggression is due to high (i.e., inflated) self-esteem which does not corresponds to that of peers. Adolescents with high self-esteem may choose to protect it by acting aggressively towards people who do not agree with their evaluations.

In both the case, aggression remains constant and hence, troublesome. As a result, they start becoming an antisocial and depressed because of lack of support and communication. And anyone trying to enter their own enclosed space becomes a victim of their aggression. In works related to the prevention of aggression, it is vital to teach adolescents how to cope with peer pressure and how to say “no” and for that reason, workshops in schools to teach students skills in aggression and violence prevention is highly recommended as it is important for them and for the folks around them.

[author image=”http://www.aapkatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Nishi-Dangi.jpg” ]Nishi Dangi is pursuing English literature in Bharati College, Delhi University, Delhi. [/author]

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