Aggression & Prosocial Behaviour
During early childhood, a child
develops self-control and a conscience. In order for a child to
become a member of their social group, they must learn to get
along in this group with their peers. This learning involves controlling
their aggression and showing empathy.
Aggression is caused by three
factors: 1) instinct, 2) rewards
and 3) observation/imitation. Aggression can
be controlled in three ways. Catharsis can be used to "vent"
anger is safe ways. These behaviours often display themselves
through children's play activities. Rewarding non-aggressive behaviour
also works. An aggressive child is seeking attention and if they
are not rewarded with this attention and in fact see the victim
being rewarded for not acting aggressively, an example of how
to act prosocially is offered and aggression will subside. Cognitive
training can be used to stop aggressive behaviour by simply telling
a child that aggression hurts other people and makes the, unhappy,
that it doesn't solve problems and that sharing and taking turns
works better.
Prosocial behaviour
is expressed by what is termed "empathy." During early
childhood, a child ability to empathize broadens and they become
better at understanding the distress of others. These behaviours
include sharing, helping, care-giving and showing compassion.
Promoting Prosocial Behaviour:
A parent may be wondering how they
can make sure that their child will show the prosocial behaviour
that is important for their success in society. There are ways
to promote this behaviour. Reward may seem to be the best way
to promote prosocial behaviour, however it has been found to not
be as effective as people think. Better ways to promote good behaviour
is through modeling
(a parent behaves the way they wish the child to), and induction
where the adult appeals to the child's pride and desire to be
grown up, explaining what needs to be done to be a good boy/girl
and why the child should act so in order to be more "grown-up."
Related Links
Child Psychology
Infancy
Learning
Attachment
Early Childhood
Mental Development
Social development
& Identity
Parenting
Community
Influences
Middle Childhood
Adolescence
Developmental
Psychology
Problems
of Children & Teens
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