Cognitive dysfunction and parent-directed aggression

Cognitive dysfunction is related to aggressive behaviour across the lifespan; however, the role it plays in parent-directed aggression is unclear. This is of particular interest given the unique nature of parent-directed aggression, which occurs in the context of substantial parent-child interdependence, wherein the behaviour of each impacts the other. Acute and chronic cognitive dysfunction likely increase the likelihood of parent-directed aggression, and such dysfunction is related to four key domains: screen time, maltreatment, substance use, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Such dysfunction may also obstruct the effectiveness of intervention. Future applied and intervention research would benefit from focussing on the role of cognitive dysfunction in parent-directed aggression.