Developmental Psychologists have been interested in why some children tend to be more violent than others and what factors can contribute to this increase in violent behaviors. Significant findings make psychologists suspect that children may sometimes behave violently because they lack interpersonal cognitive problem-solving (ICPS) skills, like for example reasoning or brainstorming solutions to a problem, analyzing the potential negative outcomes of their actions, and how to link causal relationships with interpersonal interactions. The researchers suggest that without these skills children are more likely to have infuriating social encounters. Frustration is in turn expressed as negative outcomes reflecting itself in misbehaviors, which in turn bolsters the cycle of unpleasant social interactions, hurt feelings, frustration, and bad behavior.

Researchers have presented significant findings that suggest that teaching ICPS skills improved children’s impulsive behavior and social interactions in comparison to children in the control group. Interestingly, well-adjusted children who learned ICPS skills in their early years (nursery school) were less likely to develop negative behavioral outcomes in the future when compared to children who didn’t learn these skills. Additional research shows how positive parental influence can have strong positive effects on cognitive and behavioral maturation.

The development of effective interpersonal cognitive problem-skills (ICPS) intervention has led to the emergence of several programs around the U.S. that seek to decrease frustration and misbehaviors therefore increasing positive behavioral outcomes and interactions. The ICPS’s widespread appeal has taught thousands of children and adolescents how to think and interact with others and has contributed significantly to the reduction of violence, high-risk behaviors, and substance abuse in the locations where it has been implemented.

Link to article: https://www.apa.org/research/action/solve

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