Addressing the Root Cause of Challenging Behaviors

It can often be very overwhelming for teachers when students are exhibiting challenging behaviors in the classroom. These behaviors frequently interrupt not only the student displaying them but the entire learning environment. It is therefore of the utmost importance that teachers are able to identify, analyze, and confront the root cause of these challenging behaviors. When faced with challenging behaviors, teachers can think of them like an illness. The behaviors them selves are the symptoms of a larger illness (the root cause). If the root cause is not addressed then the symptoms, or behaviors, will continue to pop up again and again. 

There are many reasons that challenging behaviors may occur, and often it is not only due to some singular reason. Cheung and Cheung (2008) suggest the following possible causes: 

  • Disrupted Social Bonds
    • This happens when a student is unable to sustain relationships with peers.
  • Delinquent Association
    • When there is a group, neighborhood, or gang affiliation or pressure. 
  • Under Achievement
    • Students are struggling consistently in day to day academics.
  • Coercive Parenting
    • Threatening or aggressive behaviors from parents. 
  • Negative School Experiences
    • When students feel embarrassed or disrespected by adults or peers at school.
  • Stressful Life Events
    • Significant life events such as death of a family member, relocation, abuse, or divorce. 
  • Labeling by Teachers and/or Parents
    • Due to a undeserved bias a student is labeled as a trouble maker. It could be due to academic ability or disability or even the teachers negative experience with a sibling. 

These are a few examples of possible root causes for challenging behaviors. It is important for teachers to remain observant, openminded, and respectful when addressing student's challenging behaviors. If done correctly the root cause is treated and the student, as well as the whole learning environment, benefits and flourishes. 

Cheung, N. W., & Cheung, Y. W. (2008). Self-control, social factors, and delinquency: A test of the general theory of crime among adolescents in Hong Kong. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37(4), 412–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9218-y


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