Children And Antisocial Behavior
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Sociability is one of the most striking characteristics of the human being who, since birth, is surrounded by other people, whether they are family members or responsible for their guardianship.
As it grows, it is natural for a child's network of interpersonal relationships to grow considerably, which makes antisocial behavior, when present, a condition that requires the attention of family and educators.
In this text, we will address the most important factors that are associated with antisociality.
In addition to defining and characterizing antisocial behavior, we address its operation, the main reasons for its appearance, the commonly presented signs and the available arrangements.
We will also discuss the characteristics, most relevant symptoms. Behavioral disorder treatments.
How to define sociability?
Before defining what antisocial behavior consists of, one must understand the importance of sociability. for the human being.
Conceived as a capacity of the species to live in society, making its members seek to assimilate customs and values, and to act in accordance with established norms, sociability is fundamental for the organization and functioning of social groups. .
In this way, sociability plays a fundamental role in the life of a person, since it allows him to interact with his companions, establish relationships, create links and be able to integrate into the standards that govern the society to which they belong.
This ability is at the base of harmonic life. among the members of a social group, which can be family, school, work or society.
What is antisocial behavior?
Antisocial behavior is characterized by a set of frequent and persistent actions in which the person who performs them does not act as expected in situations of social interaction. .
It is a pattern of behavior that can cause psychological or physical harm to those who practice it and also to the people around them.
It is possible to divide antisocial behavior into two subtypes with different characteristics.
- In the first, the presence of antisocial behavior, which is usually marked by disobedience, aggression and irritation;
- In the second, there is no pro-social behavior, which is generally characterized by actions that involve cooperative, collaborative and communicative.
Throughout life, it is natural that most people show some kind of antisocial behavior, given the different conditions to which they are exposed and the different situations they go through.
However, it is necessary to consider the degree of antisocial behavior that occurs, since, at very high levels, it can be a clinical condition that requires specific attention. .
When it is clinical in nature, that is, when the child exhibits the characteristics and behaviors described above in a more exacerbated manner, antisocial behavior can be associated with a behavior disorder.
This is a psychiatric condition that can significantly affect the school performance of children and youth.
Although it is a common condition in childhood and adolescence, the behavior disorder does not cover all antisocial situations, as they may be related to different factors.
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What are the signs of antisocial behavior?
Most children exhibit some form of antisocial behavior throughout their development process. , with considerable variations both in the intensity level and in the manifestation mode.
In addition, the two types already mentioned coexist: the presence of antisocial behavior and the absence of prosocial behavior, forming very heterogeneous profiles.
Antisocial behavior is characterized by impulsive actions, rebellion, transgression, and even aggression.
Such behaviors generate disturbances in some order or severely violate the social expectations of a particular context, such as school. It is even common to participate in dangerous or illegal activities.
Isolation is another important characteristic of antissocialidade. This pattern of behavior is characterized by low self-esteem, lack of remorse and guilt, lack of respect and insensitivity to the feelings of others.
Children and young people who exhibit antisocial behavior do not show psychological problems, and do not show their own feelings, except hostility and anger.
The behavior disorder is characterized by the persistence of certain characteristics such as stalking and intimidation, causing physical violence, using weapons that can cause injuries, being cruel to people, being cruel to animals, stealing or assaulting the victim, committing sexual violence , deliberately set fire, destroyed another person's property, broke into a property or car, lied to win, stole, slept, ran away from home or skipped classes for no reason.
In addition to the exclusion of other possible conditions, the diagnosis of conduct disorder takes into account the persistence of 3 of the 15 signs mentioned above during the last 12 months and at least 1 in the previous six months.
The diagnosis, which must be made by specialists, is made in people under 18, whose condition has been limited in academic, occupational or social terms.
What are the main reasons for antisociality?
Just as the signs of antisocial behavior vary, so do their reasons.
The scientific literature in the area indicates that this behavior is generally related to family conflicts of different natures, such as inconsistent or highly severe disciplinary strategies, marital discord, frequent changes in the principal or in the home, and experiencing physical or mental abuse.
In addition, it is common for antisocial behavior to appear as a response to a particular stressful factor, such as the death of a family member or divorce, that occurs over a period of time.
Affective deprivation, family abandonment, inadequate reception of paternal or maternal care and low income are other factors associated with this pattern of behavior.
Given the main reasons for antisocial behavior, it is possible to avoid the development of this type of condition.
In general, providing a calm environment with clear and justified limits, preserving dialogue and balance and seeking to develop the child's emotional intelligence, contributes significantly to this goal.
Is it possible to treat antisociality?
If antisociality cannot be avoided by offering conditions that favor the child's social and emotional development, this pattern can be addressed.
There are several methods to use, which vary according to the age of the child or youth and the complexity and level of antisocial behavior presented.
In general, what underlies the treatment is social rehabilitation, which can be done through family and school interventions, such as family psychotherapy, therapeutic communities and teachers' guidance on behavioral techniques.
Systemic therapies, which work on interactive skills in the family or in peer groups, are quite effective.
The younger the child is and the sooner he receives the treatment, the better the results.
In addition, it is important that interventions on antisocial behavior be long-term, concomitant and complementary to each other. Only a single technique applied promptly will be effective.
We have to be very careful with the diagnosis and the way we see antisociality.
They are children and young people who are testing the environment as much as possible. Setting consistent limits in these cases is a way of looking at them with love so that they can develop their emotional intelligence better.
