Psychologist Milena Manova discusses the roots of aggressive behavior

Psychologist Milena Manova discussed the distinction between natural aggression and aggressive behavior during an appearance on BNT. She explained that while aggression is an innate and authentic emotion, aggressive behavior is characterized by a specific intent to cause harm.

Manova noted that aggressive behavior often stems from a desire for attention, recognition, and the need to be seen or heard. She highlighted that hostility frequently arises when a person is dehumanized, shifting from being perceived as a person (“you”) to an object (“it”), which makes it easier to feel contempt.

Regarding parenting, Manova emphasized the importance of establishing boundaries and norms. She described the “normative parent” as the figure who sets rules and values, providing a structure necessary for a child to grow up feeling secure. She advised that when setting limits by saying “no,” parents should also provide alternatives for how to direct aggressive energy to prevent it from turning into auto-aggression.

Finally, she noted gender differences in how aggression manifests: girls often engage in relational aggression, such as gossip or verbal criticism, while boys tend to express it through physical or muscular means.