Aggression is not the same as violence. While a person who commits an act of violence may be acting with aggression, a person with an aggressive nature will not necessarily engage in violent acts.

Violence is often considered a physical expression of aggression, and can be predatory, impulsive, reactive, or defensive. It can develop from situational or environmental factors, a mental condition, or personal or cultural beliefs. Both violence and aggression can have negative effects, to society and individuals.

Acts of violence may target a specific person or group of people, be sexual in nature, or occur following the use of alcohol or drug use.

Disruptive behavior disorders in children can take the form of temper tantrums, physical aggression such as attacking other children, excessive argumentativeness, stealing, and other forms of defiance or resistance to authority.