ADOLESCENT ANGER AND VIOLENCE

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ADOLESCENTANGER AND VIOLENCE
Understanding the Causes and Generating
Creative Solutions
USJT Adolescents Conference Las Vegas, 2006
William G. DeFoore, Ph.D. Institute for Personal
Professional Development,Addison, TX
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OVERVIEW

• Healthy role of anger in adolescence
• The impact of family dynamics
• The effects of external systems
• Research on rage and violence
• Family counseling methods
• Methods and techniques

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Anger as a Protective Emotion

Anger

Fear
Pain
Need to Love be Loved
Sorrow
Fear
Walls/distance
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THE PERFORMER
Adaptation
Anger
Fear
Pain
Performing
Pretending
Need to Love be Loved
Sorrow
Anxiety
Withdrawal
Social Skills
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MESSAGES TO SEND ADOLESCENTS ABOUT THEIR ANGER

• It is natural
• It is acceptable
• It can be healthy useful
• It fits with their development
• You arent afraid of their anger
• The important thing is what they DO with their
  anger!

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HEALTHY ANGERFUELS EFFECTIVE ACTION!

• Focus
• Clarity
• Energy
• Motivation
• Enthusiasm
• Physical health
• Increased intimacy
• Better communication

• Flexibility
• Persistence
• Less stress
• Concentration
• More laughter
• Personal power
• Positive attitude
• More self-discipline

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THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS

• A time of transition
• Childhood to adulthood
• Sexual development related emotions
• The individuation process
• The necessity of rebellion
• Anger as a pushing off into adulthood
• Necessity for development of personal power

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THE IMPACT OF FAMILY DYNAMICS

• Role modeling
• Immature parents
• Neglect/abuse/abandonment
• Over/under involvement/control
• Freedom responsibility-the economy in the
  home
• Marital issues and related dynamics

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WHEN ANGER BECOMES VIOLENCE

• Anger resulting from
• Lack of empathy
• Exclusion abuse
• Family dynamics
• Perspective on anger as an effort to connecta
  desire for relationshipNow theyll acknowledge
  me!

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METHODS OF TREATMENT INTERVENTION

• Family counseling
• Parents storytelling
• The parents united front
• Dispelling family myths labeling
• Individual counseling
• Benefits healthy adult bond (esp. when family
  absent,) alleviating family burdens/labels (Good
  Will Hunting case history)
• Risks Reinforcing myths, forming dependency

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METHODS OF TREATMENT INTERVENTION

• Family, school community approaches
• Creating rites of passage
• Programs and acts of inclusion
• Expressing love and appreciation
• Celebrating diversityVive la difference!
• Teaching skillsin any context
• Reflective listening and empathy
• Inclusion skills
• Conflict resolution skills

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METHODS OF TREATMENT INTERVENTION

• Skills for parents, counselors other
  significant adults
• Anger work
• Holding technique
• Shared activitiesinterests
• Bonding and one-on-one time together
• Knowing when to contact public authorities
• Maintaining boundaries around authority/friend
  relationship