Are there sex differences in physical aggression in the elderly?

Abstract

Sexual selection theory proposes that sex differences in physical aggression are due to greater male than female competition for reproduction which leads males to use more risky strategies. This difference seems to peak around 20–30 years old, which is consistent with this theory. Nevertheless, no studies have focused on sex differences in aggression in the elderly. The present study explores sex differences in aggression in an elderly sample (aged 65–96). Results showed that although sex differences in physical aggression were present, the effect size was small and lower than the effect sizes obtained in younger samples. Furthermore, women showed higher levels of anger. Although the results seem to fit with sexual selection theory, they will have to be confirmed by future studies in new cohorts.