Factors Causing Verbal Aggressive Behavior In Students At State Middle School 4, Tarakan

Abstract

Verbal aggressive behavior among adolescents has become a common phenomenon that potentially affects interpersonal relationships and students' social development. This study aimed to identify the factors causing verbal aggressive behavior among students at SMP Negeri 4 Tarakan. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to explore students' experiences and perceptions regarding verbal aggression. Three students who tended to exhibit verbal aggressive behavior were selected through snowball sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that verbal aggression manifested in four forms: direct active verbal aggression, indirect active verbal aggression, direct passive verbal aggression, and indirect passive verbal aggression. Furthermore, several factors were identified as contributing to verbal aggression, including provocation, aversive conditions, aggressive cues, peer presence, individual characteristics, and deindividuation. Among these factors, provocation and peer influence emerged as the most dominant determinants. No evidence was found indicating that drug use contributed to verbal aggressive behavior among the participants. The findings suggest that verbal aggression among students is a multidimensional phenomenon resulting from the interaction between internal factors and social environmental influences. Therefore, efforts to reduce verbal aggression should emphasize emotional regulation, self-control, and the creation of a positive and supportive school environment that promotes healthy communication and mutual respect among students.