Lecture Notes: Emotional Regulation and Aggression in Children

Brain Development and Regulation of Anger

• Orbital Frontal Cortex

  • Sends projections to the limbic system (emotional brain).
  • Uses serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, to inhibit emotional responses.
  • Low serotonin levels linked to aggression and violent behavior.

• Study on Tryptophan

  • Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin.
  • 100 normal people were given tryptophan for 12 days.
  • Results: Tryptophan group was less quarrelsome and more dominant (positive dominance).

Emotional Development in Children

• Around 15 Months

  • Children develop self-awareness.
  • New emotions (pride, shame, embarrassment) influence behavior.
  • Neurocircuits for anger regulation are immature, leading to emotional outbursts.

• The "Terrible Twos"

  • Common for physical aggression and tantrums.
  • Important for children to learn that aggression is an unacceptable form of expression.

• Role of Language

  • Language helps children express needs and emotions without aggression.
  • Adults' role in teaching children words can reduce reliance on hitting and crying.

• Memory and Social Rules

  • Memory helps inhibit aggression by recalling non-aggressive solutions.
  • Socialization teaches children to follow learned social norms without conscious thought.

Socialization and Play Fighting

• Play Fighting
  • Important in learning social relationships and behaviors.
  • Not serious; done for fun.
  • Teaches children about strength, limits, and aggressive behavior.
  • Requires compromise—stronger individuals must let others win sometimes.

Discipline and Aggression

• Role of Discipline

  • Proper discipline can prevent aggressive behavior.
  • Dr. Joan McCord's insights:
    • Teaching empathy: "Stop hitting, see how you hurt your brother."
    • Using threats implies power dynamics.
    • Hitting a child as discipline can promote aggressive behavior later.

• Evidence Against Hitting as Discipline

  • Studies show a correlation between being hit as a child and later aggressive behavior and criminality.

Conclusion

• Early childhood is a critical period for developing emotional regulation and social behavior.
• Positive social interactions and proper discipline are key in reducing aggressive behavior.