Aggressive Behavior in Children and Its Correlation with Television Cartoon Exposure: A Descriptive Study

Aim and background: Aggressive behavior in children has become a growing concern due to its adverse impact on social and emotional development.Exposure to television cartoons, especially those depicting violence or action, may contribute to such behavior.This study aimed to assess aggressive behavior among children aged 6-12 years and examine its correlation with their inclination toward watching TV cartoons.Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted among 100 children (50 males, 50 females) residing in Daddu-Majra Colony, Chandigarh.Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of a sociodemographic profile, a 10-item cartoon inclination scale (5-point Likert), and the Modified Child Aggression Scale (3-point Likert).Reliability and validity were established.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis.Results: The mean age of participants was 8.80 1.93 years.Based on cartoon inclination scores, 8% were fairly inclined, 48% moderately inclined, and 44% strongly inclined, with significant gender differences ( 2 = 17.67, p = 0.001).Aggression levels showed 5% mild, 60% moderate, and 35% severe, with males exhibiting more severe aggression than females ( 2 = 25.51,p < 0.001).Pearson's correlation revealed a strong positive relationship between cartoon inclination and aggression in males (r = 0.705, p = 0.001) and a moderate positive relationship in females (r = 0.323, p = 0.022).Regression analysis indicated that cartoon inclination significantly predicted aggression [F (1, 98) = 75.42,p < 0.001, R = 0.436], with each 1-point increase in cartoon inclination associated with a 0.68-point increase in aggression score.Conclusion: A significant positive relationship exists between children's inclination toward TV cartoons and aggressive behavior, particularly among males.Clinical significance: Excessive exposure to TV cartoons can increase aggressive tendencies among children.Early parental monitoring and regulation of viewing content and duration may help in managing aggressive behavior effectively.