The first sentence describes the behavior of the individual, while the second se

Question

The first sentence describes the behavior of the individual, while the second sentence is the explanation a psychologist might give as to what might be causing the behavior. For each statement identify the correct perspective based on the reasoning given for the behavior. After you identify the correct perspective, then explain why you think it would be a psychologist of that perspective that would give such an explanation :

Jeremy is 13 and very aggressive and moody. This is because he grew up with parents who were very aggressive. The sudden death of a close friend recently also played a role in his moodiness.

Explanation / Answer

Jeremy is 13 and very aggressive and moody. This is because he grew up with parents who were very aggressive. The sudden death of a close friend recently also played a role in his moodiness.

Description:

Aggressive behaviour is not unique to people with dementia. However, more than one third of people living with dementia have at times behaved aggressively, particularly in the moderate to severe stages of the condition. There are reasons why a person with dementia may act in an aggressive way and this will be explored further in this factsheet.

Aggressive behaviour can be very stressful and upsetting for the person with dementia and their carers. It can also be a factor in the decision to move the person with dementia into a care home.

Aggressive behaviour may be:

Aggression may be linked to the person's personality and behaviour before they developed dementia. However, people who have never been aggressive before may also develop this type of behaviour.

Aggression is one of a number of behaviours - referred to as 'behaviours that challenge' - that can result from dementia. Other behaviours that challenge include agitation, restlessness, walking about, and being sexually inappropriate. It can also be hard for carers to deal with restlessness, repeated questioning and being followed around.

Causes of aggressive behaviour

People with dementia have the same needs as everyone else, including comfort, social interaction, stimulation, emotional wellbeing and being free from pain. However, people with dementia may be unable to recognise their needs, know how to meet them, or communicate what they need to others. This may cause them to act in ways that others might find challenging, including aggression.

The aggressive behaviour might be the person's way of meeting the need, an attempt to communicate it, or an outcome of the unmet need. For example, if a person with dementia is not getting enough stimulation they might become bored, and this may lead to them behaving in a way that others might find challenging, such as walking about or following their carer. Meeting the need by providing stimulation to the person may stop the behaviour as they will no longer be bored.

Understanding what is causing the person's behaviour can help carers to find a solution. Some possible explanations for aggression are listed below. The causes could be biological, social or psychological.

Biological

Social

Psychological

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