Teen Aggression Linked to Family Stress, Digital Addiction, and Low Self-Control, Global Review Finds
Aggressive behavior among teenagers is being shaped by a powerful mix of family dynamics, emotional regulation, peer influence, and digital media exposure, according to a new international review led by Indonesian researchers at University of 17 August 1945 Surabaya. The study, published in January 2026 in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), analyzed a decade of global research and shows that adolescent aggression is increasingly moving from physical violence toward relational and online forms, with serious implications for mental health, education systems, and public safety.
The review was conducted by Kholifatus Soliha, Suhadianto, and IGAA Noviekayati, all affiliated with University of 17 August 1945 Surabaya. Drawing on empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025, the authors examined why aggressive behavior among adolescents continues to rise worldwide, even as awareness of youth mental health improves. Their findings matter because adolescence is a critical developmental period, and aggressive behavior during these years is strongly linked to long-term problems such as depression, school dropout, criminal involvement, and social instability.
Why adolescent aggression is a growing concern
Across many countries, aggression among adolescents has become a pressing social issue. Schools report higher levels of bullying and relational conflict, families struggle with behavioral problems at home, and communities face youth violence that is increasingly unpredictable. At the same time, teenagers are growing up in a digital environment marked by constant online interaction, social media pressure, and easy access to violent or addictive content.
Previous research has identified many possible causes of adolescent aggression, but the evidence has often been fragmented. Some studies focus on personality traits, while others emphasize parenting, peer groups, or technology. The new review brings these strands together, offering a clearer picture of how internal psychological factors and external social environments interact to shape aggressive behavior.
How the review was conducted
The research team carried out a systematic literature review following internationally recognized PRISMA guidelines. In simple terms, this means they used a transparent and structured process to identify, screen, and analyze relevant studies.
The authors searched four major academic databases—Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar—in November 2025. From an initial pool of 2,637 articles, they selected 27 peer-reviewed empirical studies that met strict criteria. These studies involved adolescents aged 10 to 19 and used quantitative, longitudinal, or experimental research designs. The final set of studies covered multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Key internal factors behind teen aggression
The review shows that certain psychological characteristics consistently increase the risk of aggressive behavior in adolescents.
Key internal factors include:
- Low self-control, which makes it harder for adolescents to resist impulses and manage anger.
- Poor emotion regulation, including difficulty identifying and expressing emotions.
- Low self-esteem, often linked to reactive aggression driven by frustration or insecurity.
- Alexithymia, a condition marked by limited emotional awareness.
- Beliefs that justify aggression, such as viewing violence as an acceptable way to solve conflicts.
- Gender differences, with boys more likely to engage in physical aggression and girls more often involved in relational or online aggression.
These internal factors form the psychological foundation that shapes how adolescents respond to stress, conflict, and social pressure.
External influences that fuel aggressive behavior
The review highlights that internal vulnerabilities are often activated or intensified by external environments.
Major external predictors include:
- Maladaptive parenting practices, such as harsh discipline, physical punishment, or emotional neglect.
- Exposure to violence, whether at home, in the community, or through media.
- Deviant peer groups, which can normalize and reinforce aggressive behavior.
- Digital media addiction, including excessive internet use, social media addiction, and violent video games.
Several studies show that internet and social media addiction increase aggression indirectly by disrupting sleep, increasing anxiety or depression, and reducing adolescents’ ability to regulate emotions. In the digital era, aggression is often less visible but more persistent, appearing as cyberbullying, online harassment, or relational attacks.
A shift from physical to digital aggression
One of the most important findings is a clear trend over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025, adolescent aggression has shifted away from overt physical violence toward relational and digitally mediated aggression. This includes gossip, social exclusion, cyberbullying, and online hostility.
The authors note that this shift makes aggression harder to detect and address. Digital aggression can occur around the clock, spread rapidly, and leave lasting psychological harm.
What this means for families, schools, and policymakers
The review emphasizes that no single factor explains adolescent aggression. Instead, it emerges from the interaction between personal vulnerabilities and social environments.
“Adolescent aggression cannot be addressed by focusing only on the individual,” said Kholifatus Soliha of University of 17 August 1945 Surabaya, in an ethical paraphrase of the study’s conclusions. “Effective prevention must also involve families, schools, peer networks, and the digital ecosystem surrounding young people.”
The findings suggest several practical implications:
- Schools should strengthen programs that build self-control, emotional regulation, and cognitive empathy.
- Parents need support in adopting non-violent, consistent, and emotionally responsive parenting styles.
- Policymakers should prioritize digital literacy and mental health education as part of youth development strategies.
- Communities can reduce risk by strengthening social support from teachers, siblings, and trusted adults.
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