At present we can observe a notable increase in the problems associated with aggressiveness and violence in our society . One of the reasons that seems to be pointed out as a key role in this issue is impulsivity.

In the theory proposed by E.S. Barrat, it is proposed that certain stimuli elicit or provoke feelings of anger that can lead to aggressive behavior. The socialization process sometimes works as a protective factor to inhibit this aggressive behavior, but sometimes we find precisely that impulsivity is usually associated with certain deficits in such inhibition mechanisms. The result is that people with high levels of impulsivity have problems inhibiting their aggressive behaviour when they are exposed to the emotion of anger.

In this case, María José Polo, psychologist collaborating with Psicólogos Málaga PsicoAbreu talks about the relationship between impulsivity and aggressive behaviour.

The link between aggressiveness and impulsiveness

Throughout our lives we are constantly exposed to having to make decisions on an impulsive basis; all of this is part of our daily lives. Sometimes these decisions may bring us positive consequences, but at other times they may also result in negative consequences that we may regret.

According to Dickman’s theory, two types of impulsivity can be distinguished; functional impulsivity and dysfunctional impulsivity .

Functional impulsivity would be defined as the tendency to make quick decisions when the situation involves personal gain, it would be decision making with risk calculation included.

Dysfunctional impulsiveness, however, would be defined as the tendency to make quick and unthinking decisions in situations where our strategy is not optimal, this often leads to the person in question a series of negative consequences.

Impulsivity can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior including verbal aggression. The signs or characteristics of impulsive behaviour are related to impatience, the tendency to seek risk and pleasure, the need for immediate reward , problems in carrying out an adequate analysis of the consequences of their own acts, difficulty in inhibiting behaviour, problems in planning and difficulties in self-control.

The various causes of appearance are related to biological, psychological and social variables. From a psychological perspective, there are different approaches that suggest that impulsive behaviour is the result of observation and imitation by vicarious learning of an aggressive model.

Numerous investigations find a direct relationship between the educational style of the family environment and the establishment in the child (and later adult) of certain behaviours associated with family values. Exposure to aggressive models could have a negative influence on the child’s personality , generating in childhood and adulthood, self-esteem problems, fear of relating to others, low mood, etc.

In addition to the family environment, the importance of the social interaction that takes place in the school or work context in the development of the individual’s personality must be recognised. Unsuccessful or poor social relationships can deprive children of situations in which they can learn to become frustrated in an appropriate way, and in adulthood they can display angry and aggressive behaviour in the face of any conflict, even minor ones.

Verbal aggressions

Aggressive verbal behavior occurs when the words we use, the tone we employ, or the gestures we use to emphasize language create a sense of intimidation , fear, guilt, or shame in the other person. Violent verbal behaviour is characterised by threats, insults, criticism, shouting, orders and value judgements .

Therapeutic treatment for impulsivity and aggression

Impulse control psychologists can provide patients with resources to improve self-esteem, assertiveness, social skills, self-control, and relaxation.

Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, action can be taken on three different levels.

Cognitive

The psychologist should work with the person’s distorted thoughts , helping him/her to identify and correct irrational ideas or dysfunctional beliefs. In addition, it will facilitate obtaining new alternative responses to the resolution of future conflicts.

Behavioral

At this point of the therapy, different techniques are worked on to try to inhibit the aggressive behavior or at least to diminish it in frequency and intensity . One of the most used techniques is “time out” where the person withdraws from the environment where the aggressive behaviour usually takes place. This behavior gives us the opportunity to observe the changes (usually positive) of not making a decision “in the heat of the moment”.

Emotional

At this point in therapy, the patient is given tools to learn to identify the emotional indicators that often appear just before violent behavior. The recognition of these signs often serves to anticipate and control that aggressive behaviour does not appear.

Coping techniques such as relaxation and concentration techniques or Mindfulness can be very helpful. It will also be important to generate alternatives of more adequate emotional expression; in this sense knowing and training assertive communication can become a key element for people with problems of aggressive verbal behaviour and impulsivity.