Abstract
Objectives: The expression of aggressive behavior in children is a complex phenomenon. Here, we propose an integrative model of its normal or dysfunctional development. Methods: From a selective review of the literature, we propose to illustrate how dysfunctional learning of aggressive behavior can be part of a probabilistic epigenesis model using a dual developmental and ecological perspective defining a time axis, an environmental axis, and an axis of operating levels. Results: Aggressive behaviors are part of normal ordinary behaviors inherited phylogenetically and participate to species survival. They are particularly frequent in cases of early adversity whether they are non-pathological adaptive expression defining life history traits (high reactivity, search for short-term benefit, earlier puberty and sexuality); or pathological expressions, the most frequent of which being so-called externalizing disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional disorder, conduct disorder). The proposed probabilistic epigenesis model makes it possible to account for the complexity of the factors at work by: (1) distinguishing between predisposing factors, risk protective and modulating factors; (2) including pathologies and their possible transition on a developmental axis according to age; (3) distinguishing a micro/macro perspective both in terms of environmental factors (e.g., alcohol during pregnancy vs. competitive society) and in terms of functional levels (e.g., functional polymorphism of monoamine oxidase A vs. cultural stereotypes). Conclusions: By the bidirectional interactions at micro and macro levels that it allows during development, the probabilistic epigenesis model, proposed from the 2000s, seems suitable to account for learning dysfunction of aggressive behavior.
Translated title of the contribution | Aggressive behaviors in children: From adaptation/survival to psychopathology |
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Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 292-300 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Bulletin de l'Academie Nationale de Medecine |
Volume | 206 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2022 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Conduite agressive
- Conduite agressive
- Conduite agressive
- Conduite agressive
- Conduite agressive
- Développement de l''enfant
- Développement de l''enfant
- Développement de l''enfant
- Développement de l''enfant
- Développement de l''enfant
- aggressive driving
- aggressive driving
- aggressive driving
- aggressive driving
- aggressive driving
- child development
- child development
- child development
- child development
- child development