Saturday, March 30, 2013

Special Education Saturday - Reducing Aggression in Children and Teens

A recent study at the University of Bristol linked aggressive thoughts and behaviors to how we see facial expressions.

The participants were shown pictures featuring facial expressions that were either happy, sad, or ambiguous. They then identified the corresponding feeling.

When the viewers were encouraged to recognize joyful feelings in the  uncertain pictures. This activity encouraged the identification of happiness over more negative emotions.

This procedure was repeated with youthful offenders, and was followed by a reduction in anger and aggression.

What does this mean? Children and teens need to learn to process emotions properly. If they continually look for anger, that's how they will feel. If they discover cheerier feelings, those will be reflected in how they behave.

What kinds of emotions do your children see in your face?

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