ABSTRACT
The vicissitudes of aggression in adolescence are discussed. Certain forms of violence that are acted out can be a defence against breakdown. Specifically, in certain cases, we might observe that aggression is a defence against an experience of deep depression and passivity. Such acting out serves to counteract unbearable passivisation and to overcome the blockage of thinking, yet another powerful defence. At times, we may witness the repetition of true traumatic scenarios aimed at forcing the original environment into different responses from those initially given. Dissocial acting out must therefore be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis to guide clinical and therapeutic direction. A clinical case is discussed.
