A Cross-Sectional Study of Aggression among School Adolescents in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are placed in critical stage of human development when they are stepping from childhood to adulthood. Worldwide, it is seen that aggression is one of the most common features in this group. Aims and Objectives: (1) To identify aggression among school-going adolescents and (2) To assess different sociodemographic characteristics associated with aggression among these students Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in one of the private schools in Karnataka from 1st September to 1st December, 2015 (3 months). Study population comprised of high school children studying in classes VIII–X. A pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the study subjects. For assessing aggression, a modified version of direct and indirect aggression scale (DIAS) was used. School authority permitted the study. An information sheet and consent form was given to each student. The consent form was to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school. Data was entered in MS-Excel. Data was analyzed by using frequency tables and significant association was established by chi-square test. Results: A total of 187 students participated in the present study. A significant proportion of adolescents scored very high on aggression scale. Males were found to be more aggressive than females and as the age of school children advanced, aggression scores also increased. And these results were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Overall, prevalence of aggression was high in adolescents, especially among males, late adolescents and Hindus and whose mothers were less educated. Understanding sex and age differences in the development of various types of aggressions during adolescence can guide the development of violence prevention programs. Such intervention programs should be started early in life to have the most impact on aggression during adolescence.