Misinterpretation of Emotion Could Contribute to Juvenile Aggression
September 29th, 2009
Ideas about the sources of aggression in youth are varied, with some pointing to violence within the media while others focus on communication issues within the home. Adding to the great field of possibilities, a study recently completed in Japan tested the ability of detained adolescent males with behavioral issues to identify the emotions of others through facial expressions, in contrast with the same ability in children without conduct concerns. The study found that aggressive boys were significantly more likely to misinterpret expressions of disgust as anger, an emotion that can often make a situation seem hostile. The research may help mental health professionals train children to learn how to differentiate between hostile and non-hostile interactions.
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Mother is the first teacher to any child and it should not be any different in this regard. The parents in general, and the mother in particular, have a great responsibility in moulding a child’s mind and his understanding of the various things that it sees and interacts with around himself/herself.
A little love goes a long way I guess. Its difficult to like anyone including a child with behavioral issues. It really shouldnt matter how nice someone else is. What matters is how nice we can be with others.
Sometimes the problem is far beyond what a parent or mother can do alone. What is described there reminds of Aspergers Syndrome, which is a high functioning end of the autistic spectrum. One of the characteristics is being unable to read body language and other non-verbal cues, including facial expressions. My son couldn’t tell by looking at me (or anyone else)whether I was angry, upset or happy. That was very frustrating for us both. He had to be taught that the way other kids are taught math or reading. “When you see a face like this, I’m upset. When you see a face like this, I’m happy,” and so on. It does not come as naturally to them as it does non-AS children. That makes me wonder how many of the study’s subjects have ever been tested for that condition.
I was told this recently when I took my son to a specialist. He has AS and basically I was thinking the same thing when I read this article. My son cant distinguish emotions but he understands being loved.
I don’t think a look of disgust is so much different from a look of anger. If I was on the receiving end of a look of disgust you can bet your bottom dollar I’d be hostile too! Either of those looks, when directed right at a person, are aggressive.
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