Aggressive Behavior Checklist

Aggression is natural and, as such, people expect or use it in some form throughout their day. It can present as either passive or active. When it's covert, the individual's hostility hides behind a mask. However, when aggression is active, it's openly displayed in the aggressor's attitude, facial expressions, body language, etc. Many people in the home and/or at work become adept at recognizing the signs of aggression in their family members and/or coworkers.

Competitive Aggression

• Competition is one form of non-hostile aggression.

  Competitive aggression, whether you're five or 35, remains a natural part of sports, but it also occurs in video games, classroom debates, and chess matches. Since each person or team intends to win the coveted prize, they engage in behaviors they normally wouldn't. For instance, to get to the finish line first, motorcycle racers employ great force against other drivers. Although the potential for hostility is high, competitive aggression can be kept at healthy levels.

Defensive Aggression

• A defensive person appears passive until provoked.

  At first glance, defensiveness may not appear as aggression; however, because defensiveness often provokes pain in those on the receiving end, it's considered hostile. Defensive aggressors don't strike out at others; rather if they receive unwanted attention, they react with opposition. This signals that the individual desires to be left alone; therefore, if a person shuns attention and behaves aggressively because of it, respect her wishes and steer clear.

Physical Attack

• Hitting, slapping, or punching signal physical aggression.

  A physical attack is evidenced by striking, aggressive bumping, or slapping. These are the less dangerous forms of physical attack. The worst are stabbings, shootings, or torture. Physical attacks occur during robbery, domestic violence, gang violence, and other types of hostile encounters. The aim of an attack is get something from the victim. To help prevent danger, remain alert, keep a cell phone handy, and call the police if you believe you're in danger.

Retaliatory aggression

• Retaliation is hurting another intentionally, because he hurt you first.

  Retaliatory aggression occurs when the offended person attempts to hurt the one who caused him pain or humiliation. This type of hostility, or payback, is used to right a wrong or restore one's dignity. Because the offended person believes that he was wronged, he sets out recover that which was taken, such as his self-esteem. The emotion that powers retaliation is revenge, and nothing short of vengeance will stop this form of aggression, unless it's a sincere apology. When the retaliation begins, recognize it for what it is and don't add fuel to the fire.

Verbal Attack

• Trying to hurt someone by screaming at or berating her is a verbal attack.

  A verbal attack is a deliberate attempt by one person toward another to cause emotional or psychological pain with words. The aggressor berates and wounds the target until she loses her confidence. Furthermore, seeing the victim in pain doesn't stop the abuser; instead, he continues to attack. If you are on the receiving end of a verbal attack, keep your guard up, tell someone afterward, and get professional help.