Children bully others to feel better, study contends

William Atkins
Sunday, 09 November 2008 18:52

Science - Biology

The University of Chicago researchers concluded, “These preliminary findings suggest that youth with aggressive CD exhibit an atypical pattern of neural response to viewing others in pain that should be explored in further studies.”

The study is a preliminary one, and should not be used to make definite conclusions on bullying within children.

Further research is needed to more precisely define the biological mechanisms going on within such children with CD.

However, the study could likely help to better diagnose and treat children with CD.

It is important to learn more about CD and how the brain responds to such very aggressive behaviors in children, especially concerning the affliction of pain onto other people and animals.

Further information on conduct disorder (CD) is found at the CD website of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The website states, "'Conduct disorder' refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as 'bad' or delinquent, rather than mentally ill. Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences."