Healthy channelling of aggression

Jun 14, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

When one speaks of aggression, they often do so from the view that it is negative. This is understandable as our culture paints aggression as being something that is bad. This negative portrayal of it stands even while remaining a requirement for men and boys to prove that they are “masculine enough.”
This severely limits the way that males are allowed to express themselves, contributing to increased levels of violence and instability. An example of this can be seen in the frequent reports of physical assaults within the homes, schools and other community spaces. This demonstrates how the expectations of unhealthy aggression and its believed link to masculinity can manifest itself.
It is important to note that aggression and violence are not the same thing, even though a person who commits acts of violence may be acting with aggression, an aggressive person is not inherently someone who will engage in violence. While anger and aggression are viewed as negatives, the reality is that they are natural responses to challenges and threats. The goal should not be to not experience these emotions at all, but rather to explore ways in which they can be channelled more healthily. Given that men and boys have been traditionally trained to express anger as a means of strength, dominance and control, finding healthy ways to channel this through things such as competitive passions, games, sports or engaging in the arts, can help to facilitate healthy behaviours in men and boys.
Psychotherapist, Dr. Frank M. Lachmann in his book, Transforming Aggression stated that healthy aggression is related to ones “ambitions and assertiveness as an expression of one’s sense of self.” This demonstrates that aggression has a lot to do with the way we navigate the world and respond to it. Channelling aggression in healthy ways is incredibly important as it can create safer environments and positive personal and community growth since it supports individuals to manage their behaviour and emotions including their anger.
Healthy aggression, which can also be framed as assertiveness, is key in helping us to make important decisions, face challenges head on and setting boundaries with others. For instance, if you notice someone being mistreated or disrespected, you can channel aggression in positive ways to put a stop to it, or raise awareness on it so that better treatment and behaviours can be realised. When it comes to children, ensuring that they are raised in loving and supportive homes can result in them learning to channel their aggression into healthy avenues such as competitive sports or academics.
Aggressive behaviours are largely linked to our culture, so it is very important that healthy patterns of behaviours are modelled by the adults around us, and children are provided with opportunities to express aggression in healthy ways. This will help to nurture healthy boys and men who are able to solve and address conflict without violence.

Akola Thompson
Communication Consultant, ChildLinK
To report or seek counseling, please call 914/227-0979/227-2023/233-3500

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