“The wrong direction” : childhood adversity and aggression in young children

Abstract

Global solutions for aggression are urgently needed. Young children are exposed to adversities on a daily basis, especially in South Africa, where violent crime figures are extremely high. In this study, South African children (8-9 years; n = 260) from four schools in vulnerable areas were asked to draw and narrate what made them angry. The main themes found related to acts of violence at home and school. Homes were generally described by the participants as lacking nurturing and protection; domestic issues mentioned were related to physical punishment or abuse and unjust behavior of parents and siblings. At school, these children were either violent themselves or experienced physical and verbal abuse. A significant theme related to self-centeredness. It is argued that if children are not nurtured and morally and psychologically guided on their journey to adulthood, their egoism and aggressive behavior might become their lived actualities, which could be devastating to society in general if the consequences of early chronic exposure to adversity and violence spill over into the broader community culture. This could in turn result in a narcissistic subculture characterized by violence, egoism and a general disregard for humanity. Preventative measures should focus on breaking the culture of violence.