Psychological factors predicting self-reported and observed aggression in male forensic psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

The present study examined the psychological determinants of self-reported and observed aggression in male violent forensic psychiatric inpatients. Baseline data came from 232 inpatients referred to a cognitive–behavioral treatment program. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between the patients’ psychological characteristics and aggressive behavior. Self-reported aggression was studied with cross-sectional data, while the inpatients’ observed aggression in the ward was investigated with prospective data. The main factors contributing to the prediction of self-reported aggression were state anger, antisocial lifestyle and agreeableness, while the main factors contributing to the prediction of observed aggression were trait anger and agreeableness. The findings support the focus of treatment programs for forensic psychiatric inpatients on anger management.