Aggressive, Out-of-Control Behaviour

The value of mentalised aggression, contrasted with enacted aggression, is explored. Crittenden’s understanding of exaggerated affect, combined with cognitive distortion as a response to inconsistent caregiver availability is outlined. This is layered with theories of triangulation to account for the ‘soft/hard split’ in parenting. Splits are examined, within or between parents, and between parents and other caregiving authorities. The experience of the triangulated child is imagined. Case examples are used to show how the split may be addressed. A-strategies of attachment are used to shed light on ‘out of nowhere’ explosive rage. A case example of work with a mother who had violently assaulted her baby is presented.