What are the signs of impending aggression?

While trouble can apparently flare up unannounced, it is more usual for difficult situations to develop and for there to be signs within the situation that can alert staff to possible or developing danger. Wise staff will obviously be monitoring an individual’s behaviour for warning signs, but they will also be aware of two other considerations that perhaps can give them forewarning. Firstly, there may be verbal warning signs, such as verbal threats, repetition of the same words and phrases, and dehumanising language, such as foul language and sexist or racist abuse. An angry person will often talk loudly or shout, but we should not be fooled by the quiet aggression or calmly spoken person. There may be some non-verbal cues that should forewarn us, such as agitation recognised by a restlessness, the clenching and unclenching of fists, and constant movement. Threatening behaviour should always be taken seriously, such as ‘in your face’, eye-balling, the pointing or poking finger, and a towering posture. Violent behaviour should signal greater danger – for example, banging a fist on the table, hitting the walking-stick on the floor, or throwing papers back at staff. Where service users are known, staff should also be watchful for any inconsistent or changed behaviour. Also, there may be individual and perhaps idiosyncratic signs peculiar to some service users and known by staff.

People become angry for a multitude of reasons that are often interrelated. Anger can arise for young people and potentially be expressed as aggressive behaviour when they are: Exposed to a physical threat Something valued is lost or destroyed (relationships and possessions) Self esteem and identity is threatened Injustice is experienced (young people are very sensitive to inconsistent application of boundaries and rules) Frustrated and confused Experiencing uncomfortable physical states (eg: tiredness, hunger, headaches, withdrawal). Physical signs that a person may becoming aggressive and potentially violent include: Huffing and puffing Pacing up and down - rapid movements Facial indicators: staring - frowning - rubbing forehead - reddened complexion Raised voice Aggressive body language/actions - pointing - clenched fists hitting things – throwing magazines, pens and other objects down in frustration Words expressing threats - including swearing Argumentative and belligerent - won’t follow advice. The following acronym ‘S.T.A.M.P.’ can be used to best describe the behaviours exhibited by a person who is becoming agitated and potentially aggressive and violent: S - STARING -prolonged glaring at staff T - TONE -sharp, sarcastic, loud, argumentative A - ANXIETY -flushed face, heavy breathing, rapid speech, reaction to pain M - MUTTERING -talking under breath, criticising staff to self or others, mimicking staff P - PACING -walking around in confined space, walking into areas that are off limits.

Aggression typically falls into two categories: Physical or hostile aggression Emotional or relational aggression. Hostile aggression happens when you attempt to injure an individual by way of hitting, pinching, biting, pushing, or inflicting any other type of physical harm. Destroying property is also considered hostile aggression. Relational aggression can involve spreading rumors, teasing someone, or intentionally excluding a person so that he or she feels badly. Some people behave aggressively while under the influence of drugs, or due to the presence of an untreated mental health disorder. Aggressive behavior can be a knee-jerk reaction to a trigger, or it can be planned in advance. For many people, aggressive behaviors are learned early in life.

According to the American Psychological Association, violence is a serious possibility if a number of these warning signs are witnessed: Repeated loss of temper, Frequent physical fighting, Vandalism or property damage, Increased use of drugs and alcohol, Increased demonstration of risk-taking behavior, Announcing plans or threats to commit acts of violence or hurt others, Enjoyment in hurting animals, Carrying, access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns, Withdrawal from friends and usual activities, Feelings of rejections and marginalization, Being a victim of bullying, Poor school performance, History of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority, Failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others.