ABSTRACT
This chapter starts with a consideration of the biological foundations for children’s development, followed by a focus on the role of relationships in the development of aggression. The theoretical and empirical foundations for research on the development of aggression through childhood and adolescence have expanded remarkably. Two questions arise in considering the mechanisms in relationships through which children develop aggression: What relationship capacities need to develop and do not develop for these children, and what aggressive tendencies develop instead? Children who grow up in dysregulated, hostile, neglectful, or stressful contexts seldom have support to develop these critical relationship capacities. Research on gene–environment interactions highlight how children’s genetic vulnerability can be exacerbated by challenging relationships. Emerging research is clarifying how children’s experiences in relationships shape genetic expression, which is integrally and dynamically linked to brain development. To become effective social beings, children need to develop a positive orientation to others and a sense of enjoyment in the company of others.
