The role of parenting in an adolescent with explosive behavior treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This article presents the role of parenting in managing explosive behaviors in an 11-year-old child. Explosive behavior can be concerning for any parent, but it should be understood that the goal should not be to suppress such behavior, but rather to help it be expressed in a way that does not harm the child or the people around them.
This case presents the situation of an 11-year-old girl who experiences difficulties communicating with family members, feelings of being misunderstood, and explosive verbal reactions, while functioning appropriately in the school environment. The case analysis highlights the impact of parents’ impulsive reactions and the lack of emotionally safe communication in reinforcing anger and frustration in the child.
The role of parents is considered essential in the development of a child’s emotional skills, as the way they respond, actively listen, and provide emotional validation directly influences how adolescents express and manage their emotions. Psychological intervention in such cases should focus not only on the child, but also on improving family dynamics and strengthening parent-child communication.