ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will provide an overview of anger and aggression in children and adolescents, noting how childhood aggression can be a central risk marker for later serious antisocial behavior. A cognitive-behavior model describing the development and maintenance of children’s aggressive behavior will be presented, and this contextual social-cognitive model serves as a foundation for cognitive-behavioral group interventions for aggressive children. Cognitive-behavioral group interventions have certain advantages relative to individually-delivered intervention, including the opportunity for role-playing and peer modeling of skills, peer reinforcement of positive behavior, and greater cost-efficiency. Relevant evidence-based group interventions will be noted, and a case example from the Coping Power program will be provided to illustrate key intervention goals. Finally, obstacles to group treatment with aggressive children will be discussed, along with potential methods for addressing these obstacles.
