Aggression in Higher Education

Aggression in Higher Education

Presented by Carsbia Andersonand

Lara Shipley

Aggressive Behavior• Aggressive Behavior is not merely assertive behavior.• Aggression seeks to harm others and occurs frequently in

higher education.Dealing with roommate conflictsPolicy enforcement, threatening behavior in hearingsEncountering drunk or substance abusing studentsManaging psychological disturbances and disruptionsDating relationship arguments/fightsVandalism and robberyParking and food service complaints

Aggression Continuum

• With both Cognitive and Primal Aggressors, we must be aware of how they move through the aggression continuum.

• This Aggression Continuum is made up of the:

Trigger PhaseEscalation Phase Crisis Phase

Aggression Continuum

Trigger Phase ( Heart Rate 60-80, normal)

Calm, normal breathing An activating event occurs Begin to experience stress and anxiety Circumstances are dynamic but everyone is coping Offers a baseline Begins escalating….

Aggression Continuum

Escalation Phase (Heart Rate 115-145)

As anxiety mounts.. Quality of judgment diminishes Swearing, arguing with others Fewer arm and hand gestures Diminished creativity in thought Reduced thoughtful consideration

Aggression Continuum

Crisis Phase (Heart Rate 145-175)

Hardens point of view Issues ultimatum Growling, baring teeth Direct, prolonged eye contact Moving in and out of your personal space Eyes targeting body parts to strike

Aggression Continuum

Crisis Phase (Heart Rate Above 175)

Loss of verbal control

Loss of judgment

Begins physical attack

Aggressive Behavior Types

Some forms of aggressive behavior are less overt. To identify these other forms of aggressive behavior, John Byrnes has developed the concept of the Un-magnificent Seven. These seven clusters of behavior are commonly experienced personality types which seek to negatively impact a community – whether it be an office staff, residence hall, classroom or department.

Aggressive Behavior Types

• Not all behavior you encounter will be overt aggression.

• Most will be cognitive (intent-driven) aggression.• Many individuals develop frustrating behavior

patterns that create chaos and disrupt a sense of community

• We will now discuss seven common patterns of frustrating passive-aggressive behavior. They are the Un-Magnificent Seven.

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Sherman Tank- This person enjoys confrontation and always

needs to prove themselves right- They will argue about rules on your floor, office,

department- Push past weaker personalities- They seek to dominate - Challenge your authority

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Sniper

– This individual will be critical of you behind your back– They will gossip and create chaos when you are not

around– They will blend in to their surroundings when

threatened or challenged– They will use jokes or sarcasm to cover their true

motives

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Exploder

– This individual will have wide mood swings–Will be a “loud mouth” and will make

insulting and cutting remarks– They want everyone to silence those who

disagree with them and are happiest when others are passive

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Complainer

– Whines and complains about the situations they are in or the school rules

– Never seems happy or optimistic about improvement

– Wears down and drains those around them– Feels unappreciated and powerless

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Negativist

– These individuals are never happy and desire others around them to be just as gloomy

– Rarely see the bright side to things– Say “no” to everything they are asked– Depress other people around them

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Clam

– These individuals are disengaged, silent and unresponsive

– They may be upset or frustrated, but never communicate it

Aggressive Behavior Types

• The Bulldozer

–These individuals overwhelm others with facts and figures–They only value their opinion and have

little regard for the knowledge or viewpoints of others

Aggression Management

Aggression Management’s Universal Approach

1. Start with getting the aggressor away from the crowd.

2. Begin your interaction with a positive statement not a negative one (constructive, not punitive).

3. Explain to them the documented issues in a neutral and reflective way (without sarcasm).

Aggression Management

Aggression Management’s Universal Approach

4. Explain that their present behavior is not in their best interest.

5. Ask how we can work together to become more productive.

Aggressive Behavior Documentation

• It is important to document the behavior you observe in the Advocate system.

• Ask yourself– Are there witness statements I should gather?– Is there evidence I should save?– Are my notes clear and legible?– Will my statement withstand a cross-examination?– Did I create my statement immediately after

event?

Aggression in Higher Education

• Brian Van Brunt, Ed.D, Certified Senior Trainer–Phone: 603-491-3215–Email: [email protected]

• John D. Byrnes, President, Center for Aggression Management

–Phone: 407-718-5637–Email:

[email protected]