RESULTS OF AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF AGE-RELATED FEATURES OF ANXIETY AND AGGRESSIVENESS IN CHILDREN AFTER EXPERIENCED TRAUMATIC STRESSFUL EVENTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of age-related features of children’s emotional response to traumatic stressful events. The purpose of the article is to determine, based on the results of an empirical study, the age-related features of manifestations of anxiety and aggressiveness in children who have experienced traumatic stressful events. The empirical study was conducted from October 21 to November 9, 2025. The empirical study involved 30 children aged 10 to 14 years (16 girls and 14 boys), who had experience of experiencing stressful or traumatic situations of varying intensity. The method "Diagnosis of the level of anxiety" by Ch. Spielberger-Yu. Khanina (modification for children) and the Bass-Darkie method were used to assess the level of aggressiveness. The following conclusions were made: 1) a significant part of children has an increased level of anxiety, which indicates emotional vulnerability and the need for psychological support; high levels of personal anxiety in 33% of children may be a sign of post-traumatic changes or prolonged stress; adolescents aged 12–14 demonstrate the highest levels of anxiety, which may be associated with both trauma and age-related psychophysiological changes; 2) most children who have experienced traumatic events have shown increased levels of aggressive behavior; the most common forms of aggression are verbal aggression, irritability, indirect aggression, and resentment; adolescents demonstrate more stable and intense aggressive reactions compared to younger children; 3) since most children who have experienced traumatic stressful events have increased levels of anxiety and aggressiveness, it is necessary to develop and implement individual and group psychological assistance programs aimed at reducing emotional tension, stabilizing the emotional state of children and developing self-regulation skills and constructive expression of emotions.