How to Manage Aggressive Behavior Safely

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

In this chapter we provide an overview of crisis de-escalation procedures. These practices are designed to help keep you and your students safe during a behavioral emergency. These methods target de-escalation of verbally and physically aggressive students. They can help you assist students who are in crisis to regain control of their emotions. Crisis de-escalation involves assessing a situation for potential threats, avoiding overreacting, communicating effectively, respecting a student’s personal space, and attending to nonverbal cues. Critical in our individual and collective effective response to students in crisis is knowing where they fit within an aggression cycle. We discuss the seven stages of the cycle of aggression, which include calm or baseline, trigger, agitation, escalation, peak crisis, recovery, and post-crisis depression. We also offer suggestions for how to respond given the stage-related behaviors that a student in crisis is exhibiting so that a safe environment is maintained.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

The Special Educator’s Guide to Behavior Management

First Page

115

Last Page

131

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