Aggressive teenagers may age faster and have a higher risk of health issues

Young people with aggressive tendencies may age faster and face physical health problems later in life, according to new research.

One study discovered that aggressive behavior in early adolescence is linked to faster biological aging and even a higher body mass index (BMI) by age 30.

Research conducted by the University of Virginia and published in the journal Health PsychologyIt surveyed 121 middle school students (46 males and 75 females) from suburban and urban communities in the southeastern United States.

Participants were studied from age 13 to adulthood through reports of their aggressive behavior from their parents, peers, and themselves. When participants reached age 30, their biological aging was assessed through factors such as blood pressure, inflammation, glucose, cholesterol and immune function.

Joseph Allen, lead author of the study, said: “Both methods showed that high levels of aggression in early adolescence predicted a later biological age of up to 30, even after accounting for gender, family income, serious childhood illnesses and adolescent body shape.”

Mr Allen added: “Accelerated aging has been linked to an increased future risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and even premature death.”

Researchers also found that men and people from low-income families show signs of faster biological aging. Further analysis suggested that these patterns were linked to relationship difficulties. While boys experienced more conflict with their fathers, teenagers from low-income families were more likely to display aggressive behavior towards their friends.

Kevin Browne, professor of psychology and child health at the University of Nottingham, said: Independent: “The findings from this study are not surprising, as research has already shown that adverse childhood experiences, such as growing up in poverty and/or in a violent family, not only increase the likelihood of aggression, delinquency, and anti-social behavior in adolescents, but also have significant negative consequences for mental and physical health later in life.”

But early signs of aggression alone do not directly predict rapid aging, unless they lead to ongoing relationship problems later in life, Allen said. “We also cannot yet say whether aggressive actions, hostile attitudes, or a mixture of both made the difference,” he added.

Teens who showed higher levels of aggression were more likely to argue with their parents and mistreat their friends as they grew older. Ultimately, it was ongoing relationship struggles, not early aggression, that heralded accelerated aging.

“Teens are often ridiculed for treating their relationships like a matter of life and death,” Mr. Allen added. “These findings suggest that, in some ways, they may indeed be on to something; relationships that begin in adolescence, and particularly patterns of conflict and aggression that begin in adolescence, appear to have fundamental long-term physical health effects.”

The research suggests that early relationship problems can serve as warning signs for long-term health risks and underscores the importance of helping teens develop healthier relationships early in life to benefit both mental and physical health in adulthood.