Anatomy of a dada

Aggression is defined as the urge to hurt others. It may be expressed verbally as abuses and criticism or physically as beating and injuring or through hostile feelings or thoughts. While various studies point towards genetic and biological determinants, there is ample evidence that aggression can be learnt.

One of the most potent ways that a child learns to behave aggressively is through modeling observing influential others role models and imitating them. If the model is rewarded, directly or indirectly, it increases the likelihood that the observers will behave the same way.

In some children, aggressive behaviour is instrumental. That is, it is merely a means to achieve a reward 8212; usually attention 8212; from parents or peers. Every time they get excessive attention for hostile behaviour, this response is reinforced.

Even if aggressiveness is not overtly rewarded, the very fact that the role model is not punished, may make others lose their inhibitions and follow suit. For instance, says Professor Jatinder Mohan of the Department of Psychology, Panjab University, when Kanshi Ram beat up a journalist in broad daylight, no action was taken against him. 8220;Giving them politicians immunity reinforces aggression in the young, who are, by virtue of their stage of growth, more vulnerable8230; Adolescents have new gods every day.8221;

Then there is the impact of films and TV, he goes on. 8220;The hero is shown as aggressive, dominant, more so in the last 20 years. These figures become idols8230; Aggression is related to power, greatness.8221;

Dr J. R. Jerath from the Psychology Department, Punjab University, says that humans naturally seek excitement. What they see on the screen arouses them, and actually performing the actions is even more stimulating. 8220;On TV, when girls are hit, teased, and you watch this, you are absorbing and accepting it.8221; Even if aggressive behaviour is not shown overtly, he says, 8220;the question is, do you show it in a manner that becomes enjoyable?8221;

And the impact of the media is continuous and relentless. Says Professor Mohan: 8220;We create aggression, therefore, perpetuate aggression. Children only follow.8221; He explains that children sometimes do not really understand that the object of their hostility actually feels pain; it is up to their parents to teach them that.

But there is a potentially useful side to aggression as long as it can be channelised in a positive direction. Aggression basically releases energy, and, as such, it has immense survival value. Ages ago, this was the tool that helped man kill for food instead of becoming a wild animal8217;s dinner himself. Though we don8217;t have to engage in mortal combat for lunch any more, the city is just another kind of jungle, and there8217;s no dearth of competitive opportunities to which we can suitably adapt our hostility.

Dr Jerath says this can be done by providing competitive activities that are socially acceptable and constructive, like games, athletics, debates and plays. Aggressive behaviour is a requirement for people in police and defense services.

Besides drugs, counselling and other forms of clinical therapy, hostility can also be controlled by providing a consistent deterrent that makes it clear that offenders cannot get away. For this, punishment is not always necessary; withdrawal of privileges, like making a child stand in a corner, may suffice. But the deterrent must be consistent, he stresses, and proper behavioural techniques must be used.

The boy raises his arm again. Just then, his father arrives home. 8220;Stop that at once, Amit! Don8217;t you know you are hurting it?8221; The boy looks up, surprised, his arm in mid-air. He seems to hear the yelps for the first time. The scale falls to the floor.