Heteroaggressiveness, do you know what it is and how it manifests itself?

Maybe you have ever heard Paulo Coelho’s phrase that says: “fear generally manifests itself in two ways: through aggressiveness or through submission.” In the case of heteroaggressiveness, it is the first way that concerns us.

But before continuing, and since today it is so fashionable to give a name to everything related to gender and behavior, I must say that in this case there is nothing of the sort. That is to say, this phenomenon has nothing to do with machismo, gender violence, etc.

What is heteroaggressiveness?

To clear up doubts, let’s define what heteroaggressiveness consists of. In this case We refer to the type of aggressiveness that groups together all kinds of aggressive behaviors directed at an external object. (unlike self-aggression: an umbrella under which all behaviors in which the aggressor and victim are the same person are included).

That is to say, this phenomenon encompasses a set of patterns that are very diverse in intensity and typology. So that, includes behaviors such as aggressive gestures, physical fighting, verbal expressions and insultsetc.

Also add that according to studies, this aggressive behavior is usually associated with different disorders although it does not necessarily coexist or be part of them. So that, It is associated with mental problems of different kinds, from psychotic to emotional or organic..

What characterizes heteroaggressiveness?

Yes, we can distinguish a series of unique characteristics that make this phenomenon unique and singular. Let’s look at the most important ones:

This type of aggressive behavior is always directed towards other people or external elements., never towards oneself. That is, it moves away from the precepts of self-aggression. The individual only focuses on others, not on himself. As we have already commented, It covers all types of aggressive behaviors, from a verbal, physical and gestural point of view.According to some studies, heteroaggressiveness is related to human biology, associated with the sense of territoriality and sexual instinct. This alteration of character manifests itself in an individual at all levels. That is, it goes from an emotional point of view to the social and cognitive, passing through the physical. On an emotional level, This alteration is represented through manifestations of anger or rage.Another common manifestation is through specific modifications in the use of language, tone of voice, gestures and facial expressions, etc.A person who suffers from heteroaggression usually shows obsessive personalitiesself-destructive and with persecutory mania. A heteroaggressive condition usually negatively affects the person’s relational and social sphere.

What is heteroaggressiveness made up of?

There are three syndromes that especially characterize heteroaggression.. A phenomenon that can be facilitated by disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolarity or depression, shows certain clear components.

Disturbing behavior

Involves a series of behaviors that are disturbing to other people. They appeal to childhood, and present themselves in the form of conduct disorder and negativism and even a defiant attitude, something typical of children under 10 years old. In this way, their behavior becomes disobedient, provocative, markedly hostile and very defiant, beyond normal limits.

Regarding conduct disorder, also attributed to childhood, shows repetitive patterns that tend to violate basic rights of other people and accepted social norms.

Explosivity

Those affected show a behavior known as intermittent explosive disorder. It is characterized by a complete loss of control over aggressive impulses.

This effect triggers very disproportionate aggression towards the factor that triggered it., and manifests itself through physical and verbal attacks. Of course, it can last seconds or minutes, but it usually disappears spontaneously.

Agitation

Also triggers a picture of motor hyperactivity along with emotional disturbance, mainly through fear, anguish and anxiety. In this case, the intensity can be very varied, from mild to intense and violent.

This component may be due to different situations, such as a reaction to medications or intoxicating substances, systemic infections, neurological disorders, etc.

The consequences of heteroaggressiveness are usually varied and caused by various factors. They could present criminal behavior, destructive attitude, unrealistic problem solving, anxiety symptomsetc.

As we can observe This is a phenomenon associated with certain really serious and dangerous disorders.. What’s more, it could lead to very violent behavior and even coercion of any outsider without any type of restrictions.

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