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You may notice a connection between angry dads and the sons they raise. As a society, we teach men to be tough. We expect aggressive behaviors from them because of this. It should be no surprise that these same men are raising their sons to be the same way.
Aggression and anger can be seen in children from a very early age. It makes you ask the question: why is this and does it have to be this way? We should strive to teach our men and sons that they are not expected to be aggressors, but rather they can embrace calmness and gentleness.
Learn more about the root of manly aggression, symptoms, and the impact on those around you. You can also discover how evolutionary psychology and other forms of therapy can help!
What is Considered Aggressive Behavior?
Many people confuse anger and aggression or use the terms interchangeably. Despite this, there are key differences between these verbs.
Anger is typically a feeling or emotion someone feels towards a thing or person. Aggression is the behavior that follows anger. It could be considered a byproduct of anger.
When someone is aggressive, they typically act out on these feelings of anger. They can act out physically, verbally, emotionally, etc. VeryWell Mind describes aggression as a “forceful and hostile behavior toward another person that can result in emotional or physical harm.”
There are many reasons that someone may feel aggressive towards others. It could be out of fear, a reaction to pain, anger towards something or someone, or to intimidate someone. In other cases, it may be because of a brain injury or substance abuse.
How Aggression Affects You
Immediate consequences of aggression can include an elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, high blood pressure, muscle tension, and sweating. Depending on how you are reacting, it can result in pain. If you act out physically, you may not only cause damage to things around you but to yourself as well.
There are also long-term effects of aggression. Many that chronically exhibit signs of aggression are more susceptible to heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and addiction.
Aggression can also lead to things such as domestic violence, strained relationships, mental health disorders, criminal activity, and difficulty maintaining stability.
The Impact on Those Around You
While aggression can cause you to fall down a path of destruction and chaos, it can also cause problems for those around you. Family and friends may find it difficult to trust you if you have a habit of aggression and excessive anger.
In many cases, aggression presents itself in the forms of domestic abuse and bullying. Those closest to you may develop mental health concerns if they are surrounded by your bad attitude.
The company you work for may also have issues if you are prone to harming others. If you can not work under various circumstances without feeling aggression, you can cause strain on your work relationships.
Also, you may even negatively impact a stranger’s life. For example, if you feel road rage and confront someone, you could cause an accident or be forced to deal with the law
Who Can Help? And How?
The most common and effective way to treat your aggression is with the help of a counselor, therapist, or support group. With the help of a mental health professional, you can get to the root of your manly aggression. You can learn why you may feel the need to be aggressive.
Many experts use evolutionary psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT. Evolutionary psychology focuses on your beginnings and core needs that inspire your aggression. Your therapist can help explore more healthy behavioral habits while making sure your needs are met.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses more on your future and present. CBT actively points out coping mechanisms and harmful patterns in your life. Your therapist will then introduce healthier coping strategies and techniques to better regulate your behavior.
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