Question

Identify three environmental hazards that link to aggressive or violent behaviors. Explain how they are linked to the behavior. Use scholarly resources to support your explanations.

Answer 1

Aggressive behaviour is a violent outburst or verbal and physical abuse, with the potential to cause physical injuries or emotional traumas to those in the surrounding and also involves sabotaging personal property.
There are various hazards present in our environment like harmful chemicals and compounds, which not only lower intelligence but also set in violent forms of behaviour. Needleman et al studied lead toxicity in Boston school children in 1979 and found that it resulted in reduced IQ. Apart from reduced IQ, it also brought about behavioural changes like being hyperactive, impulsive, distractible, dependent, easily frustrated, reduced ability to follow simple directions and reduced performance. Chemicals and compounds bring about biological changes, resulting in hyperactivity and impulsive actions.
Another environmental hazard is climate change or global warming leading to aggressive or violent behaviours. Recent research conducted by the scientists in the US has found a debatable relationship between heightened rates of domestic violence, assault and crimes, and climate change. More specifically, even a minor rise in average temperatures can trigger violent behaviour. A rise in temperature can lower one's productivity and willingness to work and can create health issues, which subsequently results in violent acts.
Researches have found a link between socio-environmental factors like poverty, the poor financial condition of the family, socio-economic inequalities, etc and heightened risk for intensely aggressive behaviour. Such were the results of a study conducted by Schraiber et al. in Brazil. Poor socio-economic status acts as a hindrance to the growth and fulfilment of desires, leading to frustration and consequent violent behaviours.