Anger and Aggression in Family Dynamics

Abstract

Family serves as an important mechanism for care and support, and it may also create the basis for psychological problems. Anger and aggression experienced within the family context can be harmful to an individual, which may have effects throughout one’s life. Family conflict may arise from repetitive anger and aggression in the family environment. Individual characteristics, the specific relationship between individuals, and the roles taken in a family are important contributors for anger to arise. Developmentally, how anger is expressed in a child’s family is an important factor. The expression of anger is related to psychological disorders, especially depression, among adolescents. Anger affects both children and parents in the family context. Children’s anger-related behaviors may be related to marital conflict and parental behaviors. Besides, when the child observes a way of expressing emotions like anger from parents, they are likely to express their own emotions in the same way, which may also lead to violent actions. Anger is also a frequent emotion considering the co-parenting of divorced parents. Despite all these negative effects, family is one of the most important mechanisms that support an individual’s life in many ways. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.