The role of parental and adolescent psychosocial factors in different aggression profiles: a comparative approach

This study explores parental dysregulation when associated with adolescents’ involvement in street fights with peers. Parental dysregulation, characterized by emotional volatility, impulsivity, and inconsistent discipline, significantly affects adolescent development, influencing their social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Street fights, which involve physical violence among adolescents in public settings, pose risks to both individuals and the community. This research aims to identify risk factors and underlying mechanisms associated with adolescent street fights, providing insights for targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Aim: The study employs social learning theory to explain how adolescents may model aggressive behaviors observed in dysregulated parents and family systems theory to highlight the role of dysfunctional family dynamics in being associated with aggression. A sample of 292 male adolescents and their parents was assessed using self-report measures. Results: Statistical analyses revealed higher levels of emotional dysregulation, depression, and hostility among parents of adolescents frequently involved in street fights. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for interventions focusing on improving parental emotional regulation, reducing hostile behaviors, and enhancing family communication to mitigate adolescent aggression. Further research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal data to strengthen these conclusions.