Assisting the Emotionally Distressed Student

Violence and the Verbally Aggressive Student


Verbal aggression and violent behaviors have increased on university campuses nationwide. It is very important to recognize, take seriously, and be prepared to act strategically in response to such behaviors. In an attempt to dissuade the occurrence of violence, UCR has established a zero-tolerance violence policy.

Students usually become verbally abusive in frustrating situations they perceive as being beyond their control. Anger and upset become displaced from those situations onto the nearest target (You). Explosive outbursts or ongoing belligerent hostile behavior become the student's way of gaining power and control. It is important to remember that for the most part the student is not angry with you personally but at his/her world and that you are an object of pent-up frustrations.

Violence because of emotional distress is rare and typically occurs when the student's level of frustration has been so intense or of such an enduring nature as to erode all of the student's emotional controls. This behavior is often associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs.

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction

Intervention, Consultation and Referral

The Anxious Student

The Suspicious Student

The Depressed Student

The Suicidal Student

The Student in Poor Contact with Reality

The Student Under the Influence

Violence and the Verbally Aggressive Student

Departmental Safety Plan

Counseling Center Services



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PRE-INCIDENT

It is helpful to

  • Be familiar with UCR's Zero-Tolerance Policy
  • Be familiar with your Departmental Safety Plan
  • Ensure that you have a way to communicate for help (phone, panic alarm, etc.)
  • Be observant of student's behaviors and your surroundings
  • Consult, consult, and consult. Campus Police (827-5222), Judicial Affairs (827-2428), Counseling Center (827-5531), and EAP (827-3126) are available to assist you.
AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT

It is helpful to

  • Remain calm, get help if needed; take some deep breaths
  • Stay SAFE, have access to a door; keep large furniture such as a desk between you and the student
  • Maintain a posture that is posed, ready to move quickly, but not fearful. Be aware of everything in the room
  • Acknowledge their anger and frustration (e.g., "I can hear how upset you are and nobody will listen.")
  • Reduce stimulation; invite the person to a quiet place if this is comfortable
  • Be directive and firm about behaviors you will accept (e.g., "I need for you to step back," "I'm having a hard time understanding you when you yell.")
  • Allow them to ventilate, get the feelings out, and tell you what is upsetting them
  • If possible, leave an unobstructed exit for the person

It is not helpful to

  • Ignore warning signs (body language, clenched fists)
  • Get into an argument or shouting match
  • Become hostile or punitive yourself (e.g., "You can't talk to me that way")
  • Press for explanations for their behavior
  • Make threats or dares
  • Corner or touch the student

 



Counseling Center
Veitch Student Center
North Wing
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521-0320
Phone: (951) 827-5531
Fax: (951) 827-2015