Adult Aggression Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma and health behaviors in victims of intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a serious public health problem and a significant risk factor for women’s health. In Portugal, studies focusing on the investigation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood trauma, and health behaviors in victims of IPV are scarce. This research aimed to analyse the effects of childhood victimization and of IPV on PTSD symptoms and health behaviors in a sample of Portuguese women, including victims and non-victims of IPV (n=117). The participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (M=37.76; SD=14.85). Differences between women with and without IPV in childhood trauma, PTSD symptoms, and health behaviors were also examined. Results indicated that women who are victims of IPV experience higher levels of childhood abuse and PTSD symptoms and engage in fewer health behaviors compared to non-victimized women. Childhood physical and emotional abuse along with psychological aggression in adulthood are the strongest predictors of PTSD symptoms. Childhood sexual abuse and sexual coercion in adulthood contribute to a lower engagement in health behaviors. This study underscores the impact of IPV on mental health and highlights the need to design effective interventions that prevent future revictimization and promote healthy behaviors among victims.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dimensions mediate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult aggression depending on cognitive reappraisal

Associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and aggressive behavior have often been demonstrated, but the mechanisms underneath these relations are yet unclear. As high levels of ACEs and aggression have been found among individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD dimensions might explain this association. Moreover, maladaptive emotion regulation is common in ADHD and was associated with aggressive behavior. The present study investigated the dynamics among these constructs in a mixed sample of 287 adults. We found partially mediating effects of current ADHD on the associations of ACEs with adult aggression, especially regarding the hyperactive/impulsive dimension. Cognitive reappraisal moderated the indirect effect between hyperactivity/impulsivity and aggression, especially for females. Hence, the unfavourable dynamics found in the present study might explain the increased risk for aggressive behavior in individuals affected by both, ACEs and ADHD. Respective gender-sensitive prevention and treatment for aggressive behavior should include adequate pharmacological and psychological approaches that address ADHD core symptoms, whilst also aiming to improve emotion regulation techniques.

Hypothalamic resting-state functional connectivity and self-evaluated aggression in young adults.

The hypothalamus plays a pivotal role in supporting motivated behaviors, including aggression. Previous work suggested differential roles of the medial (MH) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) in aggressive behaviors, but little is known about how their resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) may relate to aggression in humans. We employed the data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and examined the rsFC's of LH and MH in 745 young adults (393 women). We also explored sex differences in the rsFC's. We processed the imaging data with published routines and evaluated the results of voxel-wise regression on the aggression score, as obtained from Achenbach Adult Self Report, with a corrected threshold. The analyses revealed significant rsFC's between the LH and clusters in the middle temporal and occipital gyri across all subjects and in the thalamus for men, both in negative correlation with the aggression score. The slope test confirmed sex difference in the correlation between the LH-thalamus rsFC and aggression score. No significant rsFC was observed for the MH. These findings suggest a role of the LH rsFC's and sex differences in the LH-thalamus rsFC in the manifestation of aggression in humans. The findings highlight the need for further research into sex-specific neural pathways in aggression and other related behavioral traits of importance to mental health.

Violencia simbólica y agresión en adultos de la provincia de Lima

The study aims to investigate the relation between symbolic violence and aggression in adults from Lima province. This topic was chosen because of the need to delve into the origin of violence in Lima society, which has the highest levels of violence in the country. The research is quantitative with cross-sectional, non-experimental and correlational design, and it was applied to a sample of 259 adults living in Lima province. The measurement of variables was carried out with the Intra and Inter Gender Symbolic Violence Scale and the Aggression Questionnaire, both instruments shows valid psychometric properties. The results showed a weak positive significant correlation between the variables, which means that greater acceptance and assimilation of symbolic violence is related to higher levels of aggression in the study population.

Where drinks and danger meet: Analyzing the spatial link between Bars and crime in Detroit

Alcohol consumption has long been linked to various crimes, including homicide, assault, sex-related offenses, family violence, and chronic aggressiveness in adults. While the association between alcohol use and violent crime is well-documented, few studies have examined the spatial co-occurrence of bar locations - a primary venue for alcohol sales - and crime incidents across precise geographical locations and over time. This study employs the global colocation quotient (GCLQ) and the local colocation quotient (LCLQ) to analyze the spatial correlation between five types of liquor establishments (bar, lounge, live house, nightclub, and pub) and seven types of crimes (aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, murder, motor vehicle theft, rape, and robbery) in Detroit, Michigan from 2017 to 2022. Findings demonstrate stable spatial relationships between bars and crimes across different years, with downtown bars showing a lower crime association, bars in clusters showing diverse patterns, and isolated bars in higher risk. The analysis reveals discrepancies in risk among different types. The safety index of the neighborhood surrounding bars is assessed through colocation analysis, demonstrating a correlation with bar-related security. Based on these insights, the study recommends heightened supervision for bars in high-risk areas and developing tailored prevention measures.

Neurobiological correlates of reactive aggression in young adults with internet gaming disorder

BackgroundPrevious research has found a significant positive correlation between internet gaming disorder (IGD) and reactive aggression (RA), with excessive use of online games increasing aggression in subjects. However, the neural mechanisms underlying increased RA in IGD are unclear. This study explores the neurobiological underpinnings of reactive aggression in young adults with IGD. MethodThis case-control study included 84 young adults, comprised of 23 subjects with IGD, 24 at-risk participants, and 37 healthy controls. Employing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was conducted to evaluate the gray matter volume (GMV) changes among groups, and the partial correlations between GMV alterations and RA score were investigated. Finally, mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether GMV alterations could modulate the relationship between IGD degree and RA score. ResultsCompared with controls, the IGD group showed significantly increased GMV in the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), parahippocampal gyrus and significantly decreased GMV in the right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG), while the at-risk group showed significantly increased GMV in the left MFG. In addition, the RA score showed a significant negative correlation (r=-0.301, p=0.006) with the mean GMV of the right DCG. Furthermore, the mean GMV of the right DCG significantly mediated the correlation between degrees of IGD and RA score, and the effect size for this mediation effect was 22.8 %. ConclusionOur findings provide potential early risk biomarkers for IGD and enhance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms linking RA to IGD, thus facilitating several potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Effects of self-compassion on aggression and its psychological mechanism through perceived stress

Given the increasing global concerns about aggressive behaviors and the pressing need for effective psychological interventions, this study delves into the potential of a concept deeply rooted in positive and Buddhist psychology but largely researched in Western contexts, as a mitigating factor against aggression in Chinese adults. Through three core studies involving 652 participants (age: 30.52±8.16), our research illuminated the intricate relationship between self-compassion, perceived stress, and aggression. Study 1 identified a negative correlation among these variables, setting the empirical foundation. In Study 2, participants exposed to a self-compassion exercise reported enhanced self-compassion and reduced aggression. Study 3 further consolidated these findings, with participants in the self-compassion writing group, showing notable increases in self-compassion and decreases in aggression compared to a control group. Critically, perceived stress emerged as a significant mediator between self-compassion and aggression, elucidating its central role in this dynamic. Together, our findings underscore the promise of self-compassion as a strategy to curb aggression tendencies, especially in light of its influential relationship with perceived stress, suggesting vital implications for future mental health interventions.

Presence and Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Reflective Functioning on Aggression in Adults With Antisocial Behaviour.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between the presence and impact of ACEs with both reactive and proactive aggression, and the possible moderating role of mentalization (operationalized as reflective functioning) in these expected relationships. Sixty-five inpatient and outpatient adults with any kind of antisocial behaviour completed the Dutch version of the Traumatic Experiences Checklist, the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the Adult Attachment Interview with the use of the Reflective Functioning Scale. Preliminary analysis showed a remarkably high level of ACEs, and a relatively high reported impact of these experiences. We found a positive relationship between the total presence of ACEs (including childhood maltreatment and adverse household factors), and both reactive and proactive aggression. We also found positive relationships between the experienced impact of these ACEs and both reactive and proactive aggression. Regarding childhood maltreatment in family of origin, we did not find a correlation between the presence of these experiences and respectively reactive and proactive aggression. However, we found a correlation between the impact of childhood maltreatment and reactive aggression. These results suggest that in addition to the cumulative experience of ACEs, the subjective burden of these experiences on individuals must not be underestimated in case of aggression. Additional moderation analysis showed no differences in these relationships in case of less developed versus medium-high developed reflective functioning. The findings substantiate the importance of early prevention and treatment programs with focus on ACEs to possibly reduce aggression.

Childhood maltreatment and adult aggression: The moderating role of neurocognitive ability and substance use

BackgroundAchieving positive intervention outcomes for aggressive behaviour in adulthood is challenging. This difficulty is enhanced by the complex presentations of those engaging in such behaviours and the impact this has on their engagement with interventions. ObjectiveThis study assessed the cumulative impact of childhood maltreatment, substance use, and neurocognitive ability (working memory, cognitive flexibility, decision making, response inhibition, and cognitive control) on aggressive behaviour in adulthood. Participants and settingAdult participants (N = 179; 69 % female) recruited from the community, and clinical and forensic services, aged 18 to 81 (M = 40.5, SD = 15.9). MethodsParticipants completed an online Qualtrics survey and remote neurocognitive testing via Inquisit. ResultsWe implemented an a priori approach, assessing three-way interactions between childhood maltreatment, substance use, neurocognitive ability, and aggression. No three-way interactions were significant. We then utilised a data-driven modelling approach, using automatic linear forward stepwise modelling to identify the most important variables for predicting aggression. Four were significant: physical maltreatment (b = 0.053, p < .001), drug use risk level (b = 0.015, p < .001), poorer response inhibition (b = 0.001, p = .016), and the interaction between poorer response inhibition and physical maltreatment (b = 0.205, p = .017). ConclusionsPhysical maltreatment in childhood, drug use risk level, and response inhibition impact significantly on adult aggression, indicating a need for early intervention for children who have experienced maltreatment. Consideration should be given to how maltreatment in childhood may impact on ability to engage with interventions as an adult, particularly response inhibition difficulties that may hinder skill implementation.

Social Media Addiction and Aggression in Pakistani Young Adults: Social Connectedness as a Moderator

Social media serves as a platform for communication and connection in the digital realm, but its problematic use can negatively affect health. Research indicates a link between problematic social media use and increased aggression. This study explores the moderating role of social connectedness in the relationship between social media addiction and aggression among young adults in Pakistan, involving 162 participants (82 men, 77 women) aged 18 to 25 years (M=22.09, SD=2.06). Using instruments like the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Andreassen et al., 2017), the Revised Social Connectedness Scale (Lee et al., 2001), and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Buss &amp; Perry, 1992), the analysis revealed a positive but nonsignificant relationship between social media addiction, social connectedness, and aggression. However, using Hayes' 4.1 Model 1, findings showed a significant negative effect of social media addiction on aggression (?=-5.65*, SE=2.75, p&lt;.05) and a significant negative impact of social connectedness on aggression (?=-2.16*, SE=1.08, p&lt;.05). The interaction between social media addiction and social connectedness also had a positive and significant effect on aggression (?=.09*, SE=.04, p&lt;.05), suggesting that social connectedness moderates the impact of social media addiction on aggression in young Pakistani adults. Additionally, independent sample t-tests indicated that social media addiction (M=25.95, SD=3.35, **p&lt;.01) and aggression (M=84.32, SD=19.49, ***p&lt;.001) were significantly higher in men than in women, with no significant differences in social connectedness. The study concludes with a discussion of its limitations, recommendations, and implications for societal welfare.

Hypothalamic connectivities and self-evaluated aggression in young adults.

The hypothalamus plays a pivotal role in supporting motivated behavior, including aggression. Previous work suggested differential roles of the medial hypothalamus (MH) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) in aggressive behaviors, but little is known about how their resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) may relate to aggression in humans. We employed the data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and examined the rsFC's of LH and MH in 745 young adults (393 women). We also explored sex differences in the rsFC's. We processed the imaging data with published routines and evaluated the results of voxel-wise regression on aggression score, as obtained from Achenbach Adult Self Report, with a corrected threshold. The analysis revealed significant rsFC between the LH and clusters in the middle temporal and occipital gyri across all subjects and in the thalamus for men, both in negative correlation with aggression score. Slope test confirmed sex differences in the correlation between LH-thalamus rsFC and aggression score. No significant rsFC was observed for MH. These findings suggest a role of LH rsFCs and sex differences in LH-thalamus rsFC in the manifestation of aggression in humans. The findings highlight the need for further research into sex-specific neural pathways in aggression and other related behavioral traits of importance to mental health.

PUBG Game Addiction, Social Connectedness and Aggression in Young Adults

In today’s technological era, millions of young adults worldwide engage in violent video s. This study explored how addiction to PUBG game affects aggression, with social connectedness serving as a mediator. Involving 293 PUBG game players (158 men and 135 women) between age of 18 to 25 years (M = 22.21, SD = 1.89), the research used the Gaming Addiction Scale, a revised Social Connectedness Scale, the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. Finding depicts that PUBG game addiction significantly and positively correlates with aggression. However, while the relationship between PUBG game addiction and social connectedness was positive, it was not significant. Social connectedness, on the other hand, was significantly positively related to aggression. Mediation analysis revealed a partial mediation effect of social connectedness on the link between PUBG game addiction and aggression; the indirect path through social connectedness was not significant, though both direct and total effects of addiction on aggression were significant. Independent samples t-tests found significant gender differences in PUBG game addiction, with men scoring higher than women, but no significant differences in social connectedness or aggression. Employment status showed significant differences, with unemployed participants scoring higher in both PUBG game addiction and social connectedness compared to employed participants. However, no significant differences were found in aggression based on employment status, despite unemployed individuals having higher average aggression scores. The findings were compared with existing literature, and recommendations for future research were made, highlighting important implications for young adults’ welfare.

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND THEIR RELATIVITY TO AGGRESSION OF YOUNG ADULTS IN MALITA, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL PHILIPPINES

Using a descriptive-correlational approach, this study aimed to quantify the prevalence of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and aggression among young adults in Malita. It specifically determines the level of ACEs and aggression, the significant relationship between ACEs and aggression, and the area of the independent variable that was most strongly associated with the aggression of young adults. 98 respondents were randomly selected to take part in the study. The independent variable was measured using two adapted questionnaires, namely, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire [47] and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [26], while Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992) [22] for the dependent variable. The researchers made used of a variety of statistical methods, including the mean, Spearman's rho, and step-wise multiple regression. Among the five types of abuse, results showed that emotional abuse was a commonly reported form of adversity in childhood. Meanwhile, at the level of aggression, verbal aggression was shown to have the highest responses out of the three different types of aggression. The findings of the study showed no statistical significance between varia-bles. While emotional neglect, among other forms of adversity in childhood, was the lone predictor of aggression in young adults.

The Effect of Token Economy on Managing Aggression in Adults and Adolescents with Mental Disorders: A Recent Review

Context: Individuals with mental illness may exhibit aggression due to psychological instability. The Token Economy is a behavioral approach that aims to achieve desired changes by using tokens as reinforcements. Objectives: This study investigates the effectiveness of token reinforcement in reducing aggressive behavior in mentally ill patients and identifies the factors that enhance the effectiveness of the Token Economy program. Evidence Acquisition: A search for studies was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science using several keywords, including "Contingency Management," "Token Reinforcement," "Token Economy," "behavioral disorder," "mental disorder," "aggression," "violence," "disruptive behavior," and "challenging behavior." The search focused on articles published from 2003 to 2023 that included the implementation of token reinforcement in various settings for managing aggression. Results: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. After reviewing these studies, several factors were identified as responsible for the program's effectiveness. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2011) were used to evaluate the studies. Of the 12 studies, two were rated as strong quality, one as moderate, and nine as weak quality. Additionally, three studies were classified as level 2, one as level 3, and eight as level 4, indicating significant methodological limitations. Conclusions: Generally, 9 studies supported the effectiveness of the Token Economy in managing aggression in adults and adolescents with mental illness. This approach can be useful in the modern rehabilitation and education of individuals with aggressive behavior. We recommend further studies with higher methodological quality to examine the generalizability and transferability of the results.

Social Media Addiction, Depression and Aggression in Young Adults

Social media platforms provide avenues for content sharing and online interaction. However, excessive usage, particularly among young adults, can lead to clinical challenges. The study aims to explore the relationships between social media addiction, depression, and aggression in young adults, specifically investigating whether depression serves as a mediator between social media addiction and aggression. Using a convenient sampling method, the study included 150 participants (got their own smartphone and use social media) aged 18 to 30 (88 men, 62 women). The researchers evaluated social media addiction using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and assessed depression using the Beck Depression Inventory, and aggression was evaluated with the Puss Berry Aggression Questionnaire. Findings revealed significant positive connections between social media addiction, depression (r=.25, p&lt;.01), and aggression (r=.26, p&lt;.001), the relationship between depression and aggression is positively significantly as well (r=.35, p&lt;.001). Depression mediates significantly between social media addiction and aggression as the direct and indirect effect are statistically significant. Notably, gender differences were observed, with women exhibiting significantly higher depression levels (M=19.31, SD=13.61, p&lt;.01) compared to men. The independent sample t test for employment status shows that employed participants score high on depression (M=16.67, SD=14.32) and aggression (M=75.12, SD=15.93) but unemployed were slightly more addict of social media (M=16.46, SD=5.23). The study discusses implications for fostering positive societal changes by addressing social media addiction among young adults and enhancing awareness on how depression interplays between social media addiction and aggression. The results offer recommendations while acknowledging study limitations.

Emotional Intelligence and Aggression among Young Adults: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study is to analyze the relation between emotional intelligence and aggression among adults, focusing on how these two factors influence each other and impact relationships, personal growth, and well-being. The interplay between emotional intelligence and aggression provides insights after comprehensive review of ten studies articles. This study seeks to develop effective strategies for young adults to manage their emotions, reduce aggression, and enhance conflict resolution skills. This review examined the research designs employed, the methods utilized to quantify the construct of emotional intelligence and aggression among young adults, and the key conclusions that can be made from these studies among young adults. Developing emotional intelligence and managing aggression in young adults is crucial for their overall well-being, social connections, and personal growth. Emotional intelligence helps young adults cultivate essential skills like effective communication, self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, enabling them to navigate relationships, conflicts, and challenges more successfully. By being emotionally intelligent, young adults can better understand and manage their own emotions, as well as respond appropriately to the emotions of others, leading to more harmonious relationships, improved mental health, and a more positive outlook on life. This review will help adults, their parents and policy makers to induce emotionally intelligent overlook and less aggressiveness.

Social comparison and aggression: The mediating role of relative deprivation and moderating role of covert narcissism.

Social comparison is a universal social phenomenon that profoundly influences aggressive behaviours among young adults. Based on the general aggression model, this study investigated the relationship between social comparison and aggression, and the mediating role of relative deprivation. To further explore the mechanism underlying this influence, covert narcissism was examined as a moderator in this relationship, based on relative deprivation theory. The results from the current study using a total of 726 Chinese college students showed that social comparison was positively correlated with aggression, which was mediated by relative deprivation. Specifically, more frequent social comparison was associated with higher relative deprivation, which was, in turn, associated with higher aggression. Covert narcissism acted as a moderator in this model. Covert narcissism exacerbated the relationships between social comparison and relative deprivation and relative deprivation and aggression. Specifically, compared to individuals with low levels of covert narcissism, those with high levels of covert narcissism exhibited greater relative deprivation when subjected to the same social comparisons, subsequently displaying increased levels of aggression. This study deepens the understanding of the relationship between social comparison and aggression and provides an intervention direction and a theoretical basis for effectively preventing aggression in young adults.

Dopaminergic Remodeling During a Critical Developmental Window: Linking Drug Use to Adult Aggression.

Dopaminergic Remodeling During a Critical Developmental Window: Linking Drug Use to Adult Aggression.

The Impact of Addiction on Adults Aggression and Obsessive Thought

The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of addiction treatment and intervention strategies. Recognizing the intricate interplay between addiction, aggression, and obsessive thoughts is essential for tailoring effective therapeutic approaches that address the unique needs of individuals struggling with addiction-related challenges. This research delves into the intricate interplay between addiction, aggression, and obsessive thoughts in the lives of adults. Addiction, a pervasive force in contemporary society, has far-reaching consequences on mental well-being. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to unravel the nuanced dynamics at play. The findings reveal a compelling connection between addiction and heightened aggression in adults. The frustration and desperation stemming from unmet cravings manifest in increased levels of verbal and physical aggression. Through statistical analyses and in-depth narratives, we explore the diverse expressions of aggression within the context of various addictive behaviors. Furthermore, this research sheds light on the obsessive thoughts that entwine individuals in the clutches of addiction

The Effect of Childhood Poly-Victimization on Adulthood Aggression: The Mediating Role of Different Impulsivity Traits.

This study investigated the effect of the poly-victimization pattern of traumatic childhood experiences on aggression via the impulsivity traits positive urgency, negative urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and sensation-seeking in 102 poly-victims of childhood trauma (71.57% were females; Mage = 35.76; SDage = 15.91). Analyses with poly-victimization as an independent variable, impulsivity traits as parallel mediators, (1) reactive aggression or (2) proactive aggression as dependent variables, and gender as a covariate revealed that the poly-victimization did not have a direct or indirect effect on reactive or proactive aggression, nor did it have an effect on any of the impulsivity traits. Moreover, lack of premeditation had a positive direct effect on reactive aggression, while gender was a significant covariate in both models, with males reporting more aggression than females. Findings suggest that the poly-victimization does not influence impulsivity traits and aggression in adulthood. However, in males, the poly-victimization had a positive and moderate correlation with reactive aggression and negative urgency, while these correlations were absent in females. This finding implies that males are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of childhood poly-victimization than females.