What are the warning signs of aggression?
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Most people think of violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence and harassment is a much broader problem. It is any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment. Show
Rumours, swearing, verbal abuse, harassment, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson and murder are all examples of workplace violence. NOTE: In this document, we use the term violence to also include bullying and harassment Please refer to the following OSH Answers documents for information: Ignoring signs of violent behavior or condoning violence during childhood can result in a child adopting violent behavior. Read on to understand early signs of such behavior to nip it in the bud. Most children love rough play like tackling, tumbling, and pushing. But, with some children, these and other such childish antics seem to border on the edge of extreme aggression or violence. Left unchecked during childhood, some of these children can turn into anti-socials in the future. Causes of violent behavior:Our mental conditioning makes it difficult for us to believe that children can also indulge in violence. However, according to the paper, 'The Development of Physical Aggression,' by Richard E Tremblay, published on child-encyclopedia.com (2012), "Studies have now shown that most children start to use physical aggression between the end of the first and second year after birth." So, what is it that causes a child to begin displaying violent behaviors? An article titled, 'Understanding Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents', published on AAP.org (2011) lists several factors that can cause children to become aggressive. According to the article, some of the factors are: being a victim of violence; sexual abuse; watching violence on media; stressors like poverty and hunger; and damage to the brain. A child's temperament and relationship with parents play an important role as well. Early signs of violent behavior in children:With the increasing realization that children can indulge in acts of violence, parents are generally advised to keep an eye out for such behavior in their children. However, not many parents are able to differentiate genuine acts of violence from false positives. Here are some behavioral signals that you should watch out for in your child to understand if she may be exhibiting early signs of violent behavior.
What should parents do when the child indulges in violent behavior:The exhibition of violent behavior by children is not just limited to home but happens outside as well like in the school or the playground. During times when the child exhibits violent behavior:
Also, during violent outbursts, it is important to observe if the child is holding on to something that he may use to cause hurt. If so, while intervening, take safeguards against getting hurt. How can parents prevent children from acting in a violent manner:Appropriate measures taken at the earliest to curb violent behavior can prevent it from becoming a part of the child's habit. According to Richard E Tremblay, "Early childhood is probably the best window of opportunity for helping children at risk of becoming chronic physical aggressors because most children learn alternatives to physical aggression during that period." (Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series on workplace violence. Last month, we gave you information about recent activity and how you should manage this problem. We also gave you a checklist, sample policies, and advice on how to handle layoffs. This month, we give you warning signs, advice on when to call the police, and an extensive list of resources.) 8 warning signs of violent behaviorMay 1, 2009 Reprints Related Articles
8 warning signs of violent behavior (Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series on workplace violence. Last month, we gave you information about recent activity and how you should manage this problem. We also gave you a checklist, sample policies, and advice on how to handle layoffs. This month, we give you warning signs, advice on when to call the police, and an extensive list of resources.) The recent fatal shootings by an employee's estranged spouse at a nursing home in North Carolina have served as a harsh reminder that workplace violence can happen anywhere, anytime. While not specifically addressing the NC situation, W. Barry Nixon, SPHR, executive director of the National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence, Lake Forest, CA, says when a person resorts to violent behavior, there often were warning signs that might have gone unnoticed. "Training supervisors and employees to recognize the early warning signs and to report them is a crucial step in a workplace violence prevention program," Nixon says. The following are warning indicators of potential workplace violence, based on advice from the federal government1:
Once you have noticed a subordinate, co-worker, or patient showing any signs of the above indicators, you should take the following steps, the federal government advises1:
It is very important to respond appropriately, i.e., not to overreact but also not to ignore a situation, according to the federal government. Sometimes that reaction might be difficult to determine, it says. Managers should discuss the situation with expert resource staff to get help in determining how best to handle the situation, the government says. Reference
When should you call in the police? An employee is dismissed, and he threatens co-workers and managers. What should you do? Police should be called any time there is a critical concern for the safety of any employee or individual on the business premises, says Corinne Peek-Asa, PhD, professor of occupational and environmental health and director, Injury Prevention Research Center, at the University of Iowa, Iowa City. A threat assessment team should track any individuals of concern, she says. The team should include representatives from human resources, security, facilities management, and other departments. "One important thing is that upper administration gives full support to the team, and they have the ability to collect the information they need," Peek-Asa says. "They also need to be well trained so that they can treat every case fairly and impartially." Police can be partner Alert police of any individuals of concern that are being followed by the team, she says. "Law enforcement agencies can be a critical partner when making decisions about individuals of concern, especially if for smaller businesses that don't have formal plans and procedures," Peek-Asa says. Contact your local law enforcement agencies to find out what types of general resources are available and who to call to obtain more information, she advises. Call police whenever there's a violence or a threat of violence, says Sandy Seay, PhD, president of Seay Management Consultants, a human resources management consulting firm in Orlando, FL. "A threat is one of the most dangerous things," he says. Better to have no regrets Situations can escalate to a level above the capability of the [ambulatory surgery program] to handle, says Dawn Q. McLane, RN, MSA, CASC, CNOR, chief development officer of the Nikitis Resource Group, a Broomfield, CO-based company that specializes in surgery center development, management, and consulting. "It would be better to have the police present, who are trained to de-escalate these kinds of events, than to later wish you had, after someone has been injured or worse," she says. The staff who are responsible for human resources and/or security should be knowledgeable of many new laws that address threats because, in many cases, the police officer who responds to an incident might not be updated, says W. Barry Nixon, SPHR, executive director of the National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence, Lake Forest, CA. "Frequently, employers that call the police get the response that 'the alleged perpetrator has not actually done anything to violate the law, call us if they actually do something,'" Nixon says. "Employers should be able to respond to this statement with, 'Please check state/local regulation XYZ, which states that . . . and I believe you will see this is a violation of the law.'" Sources The following resources are available for addressing violence and vandalism by co-workers:
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community. What are the early warning signs of aggression?Signs and Symptoms of Aggression. Anxiety.. Moodiness.. Agitation.. Disorientation or memory problems.. Depression or flat affect.. Trouble with concentration and attention.. Trouble thinking in an organized manner,. Poor communication skills due to overt negative affect.. What are the 5 warning signs of escalating behavior?Five Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior. Warning Signs. ... . Frustration. Behavior characterized by reaction or resistance to information. ... . Blame. Placing responsibility for problems on everyone. ... . Anger - Judgment Call Required. Characterized by a visible change in body posture and disposition. ... . Hostility – Judgment Call Required.. What are 5 early warning indicators of aggressive or distressed behaviour You should be aware of?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.
What are 4 factors that may be a trigger to aggressive behavior?Excessive need for attention or respect. Feelings of low self-worth. Early childhood abuse or neglect. Witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media.
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