Higher Levels Of Physical Aggression Research Articles

Stress Response Profiles and Physical Aggression in Early Childhood

This study examined the applicability of the four stress response patterns proposed by the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM; Del Giudice et al., 2011) in 12-month-old children (N = 214; 116 boys) and their associations with physical aggression at 12, 20, and 30 months of age. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and pre-ejection period (PEP) served as indices of the sympathetic nervous system, respiratory sinus arrhythmia as an index of the parasympathetic nervous system, salivary cortisol as an index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and heart rate as a measure of overall autonomic nervous system activity. A fear challenge was administered at 12 months to measure baseline, response, and recovery levels of the stress systems, while maternal reports were used to evaluate physical aggression at the various time points. Through latent profile analysis, three stress response profiles were identified: (1) ANS Responders, (2) Moderate Responders (across all stress systems), and (3) Hormonal Responders. Despite some deviations, each profile could be associated with a corresponding ACM stress response pattern, primarily due to the inclusion of both sAA and PEP as measures of sympathetic activity. At 12 months, ANS Responders showed higher levels of physical aggression, whereas Hormonal Responders exhibited higher levels of physical aggression at 20 months. The findings confirm that differences in stress response patterns can be observed as early as 12 months of age. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of using multiple indices of stress responsivity to identify such distinct patterns. Finally, stress response profiles that differ from the most common (moderate) profile, are associated (albeit not consistently) with higher levels of physical aggression at different ages during early childhood.

Aggression and Irritability in Middle Childhood: Between- and Within-Person Associations

ABSTRACT Objective This study tested predicted bidirectional associations between irritability and physical and relational forms of aggression, disentangling theorized within- and between-person effects using latent curve models with structured residuals (LCM-SR) over one year in middle childhood. Gender differences and robustness of results when controlling for other externalizing problems (i.e., attention problems, delinquency) were also considered. Method Children in third, fourth, and fifth grade (N = 704, 49.9% female) were recruited from schools in a large midwestern city. The sample was diverse in regard to race/ethnicity (31% Black, 29% White, 13% Hmong, 14% Latinx, 4% Native American, 4% Asian, 5% other races/ethnicities). Irritability, attention problems, and delinquency were measured using teacher-report, and physical and relational aggression were measured using self-report at three time points over one calendar year. Results At the between-person level, higher mean levels of irritability predicted higher initial levels of physical and relational aggression. Irritability continued to predict higher levels of physical aggression across the course of the study, whereas the effect of irritability on relational aggression diminished. Boys showed higher starting levels of physical aggression, but no other significant gender differences emerged. No significant within-person associations were found. Conclusions The present study suggests that irritability may represent a between-person risk factor for high levels of physical and relational aggression in middle childhood, although effects on physical aggression may be more persistent. This highlights the importance of considering affective processes to understand the development of aggression trajectories.

Personality Traits and Aggressive Behavior in Vietnamese Adolescents.

This study aims to reveal the relationship between personality characteristics and verbal or physical aggression in Vietnamese adolescents. We recruited 3003 participants [1498 boys (49.9%) and 1505 girls (50.1%); mean age ± SD = 13.50 ± 0.936] who we tested with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Brief version (EPQ-BV), and Vietnamese Aggression Scale (VAS). A multivariate analysis of variance test, Pearson Correlation, and analyzing mediating variable interaction is used to analyze data. The findings suggested a significant interaction between personality traits, specifically extraversion and neuroticism, and physical aggression, verbal aggression, and anger. Students with higher levels of personality had higher levels of verbal aggression, and students with higher levels of physical aggression and anger had stronger personality traits than others and lower levels of physical aggression and anger. Personality traits, specifically extraversion, and neuroticism, differed significantly by gender and school years in adolescence. Mediation analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant indirect correlation between personality traits and physically aggressive behavior, with anger as a mediator. Similarly, a positive and statistically significant indirect correlation between personality traits and verbally aggressive behavior through anger was found. The relationship between personality traits and physical aggression was also significant via verbal aggression and anger. This study improved our understanding of personality traits and verbal or physical aggression. Most crucially, physical and verbal aggression mediate personality traits and aggressive conduct. In secondary school, gender and school year affected extraversion and neuroticism. This discovery illuminates personality-based aggressiveness intervention.

A Comparative Study between Recidivism Offenders and Non-recidivism Offenders in a Prison Sample

Research on penitentiary recidivism is an essential topic for the prevention of crime because, at the time of release, inmates with a high risk of committing crimes do not usually have the necessary tools to cope with the challenges of community life. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify criminal personality and psychopathological characteristics related to recidivism. The sample made up of 89 (n = 49 non-recidivists, n = 40 recidivists) inmates in a prison in Ecuador. The results showed that recidivist inmates, unlike non-recidivist inmates, present antisocial, borderline, and aggressive-sadistic personality, higher alcohol and drug dependence, and higher levels of physical aggression. From a criminal viewpoint, recidivist inmates commit more crimes against property; a larger proportion presented a history of juvenile delinquency and more disciplinary records in adult prison. Consequently, the results indicate the need to design and implement specific interventions to reduce recidivism in these offenders.

Aggression in substance use treatment seekers

Recent evidence suggests that the relationship between substance use and aggression is more complicated than previously proposed, which may vary by drug type and a combination of physiological, environmental and individual differences. The present, cross-sectional study investigated differences in aggression and its relationship with schizotypal personality traits, negative emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress) and coping style, in a sample of 104 patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and non-drug using control subjects (n = 57). The SUD group reported higher levels of physical aggression, anger, and hostility than the controls, which were positively correlated with schizotypal traits (i.e., impulsive nonconformity), negative emotional states and emotional coping style. Impulsive nonconformity appeared as the most influential factor in aggression, which is directly related to both physical and verbal aggression, and influenced anger and hostility, through emotional coping and negative emotional states, i.e., depression.

School Refusal Behavior and Aggression in Spanish Adolescents.

In order to reduce school attendance problems and aggressive behavior, it is essential to determine the relationship between both variables. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the mean differences in scores on aggression, based on school refusal behavior, and (2) to analyze the predictive capacity of high scores on aggression, based on school refusal behavior factors. The sample consisted of 1455 Spanish secondary school students, aged 13–17 (M = 14.85; SD = 1.56). The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (I. Avoidance of negative affectivity, II. Escape from aversive social and/or evaluative situations, III. Pursuit of attention from significant others, and IV. Pursuit of tangible reinforcement outside of school) and the Aggression Questionnaire (I. Physical Aggression, II. Verbal Aggression, III. Anger, and IV. Hostility) were used. Results indicated that students having high levels of Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility received significantly higher scores on school refusal behavior. In most cases, school refusal behavior was found to be a positive and statistically significant predictor of aggression. Students that base their school refusal on the pursuit of tangible reinforcements outside of school earned higher scores, and other functional conditions underlying school refusal behavior were found to be associated with aggression issues. The role of aggression as a risk factor for school refusal behavior is discussed.

Neurobiological evidence of sexual dimorphism in limbic circuitry of US Veterans

BackgroundFemale Veterans are an increasing patient population in the Department of Veterans Affairs and may have distinct clinical and neurobiological features compared to males. MethodsNineteen female and 19 male Veterans who met diagnostic criteria for depression/posttraumatic stress disorder (MDD/PTSD) completed diagnostic interviews, symptom measures, and resting-state neuroimaging. Participants completed clinical measures of mood and aggression in addition to magnetic resonance imaging on a 3.0 Tesla Siemens scanner. ResultsFemales showed increased functional connectivity between the left and right basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the left and right cerebellar and occipital lobes. Sex differences also were evident in the relationship between affective and clinical symptoms with BLA connectivity. Females showed a correlation between revenge planning and decreased connectivity between the left BLA and left occipital lobe and also a correlation between aggression and decreased connectivity between the right BLA and right mid cingulate, right and left medial frontal lobe, and right frontal lobe. Males evidenced a relationship between increased depressive symptoms and increased connectivity between the left BLA and right and left occipital lobe, left calcarine, and other areas associated with visual memory and processing, and interpretation of sensory information. Additionally, males reported higher levels of physical aggression and revenge planning compared to females. LimitationsThis study included neuroimaging and self-report clinical measures. Further studies will benefit from multimodal measures, including behavioral measures of aggression. ConclusionsResults suggest that male Veterans report more aggression than females and symptoms of aggression and mood are differentially related to BLA connectivity by sex.

Examination of the social behaviours of pre-school children whose parents are married and divorced according to teacher opinions

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to examine the social behaviours of 4 age group pre-school children whose parents are married and divorced according to teacher opinions. Screening model method has been used at this research which is one of the descriptive research methods. The study group of this research was created totally 691 children. As a result of the study, it was found that the children whose parents were divorced had higher levels of physical aggression, relational aggression and depressive emotions, and their positive social behaviour levels were lower than the children whose parents were married. It is recommended that parents’ education gets stronger in pre-school education programmes and that prospective teachers are provided with quality learning environments. Thus, it will be possible to integrate the necessary opportunities into the teaching practice in the education proce.

Dark triad of personality and aggression in adolescents and young people

The present study aims to analyze the relationships between dark triad of personality and aggression in adolescents. Aggression is considered the key factor in the development of criminal behavior, and by deciphering the factors that determine aggression, interventions can be made to prevent and diminish delinquent behavior. In this study, 134 persons between 15 and 28 years old participated, M = 20.48, AS = 2.50, of whom 34 were males and 79 were females. The instruments used to assess the dark personality traits and aggression were The Aggression Questionnaire, BPAQ (α = .89) and Short Dark Triad, SD-3 (α = .79). The results showed that boys have higher levels of physical aggression than girls, while girls have higher levels of anger and hostility than boys. In addition, psychopathy was positively associated with physical aggression, verbal aggression, and anger, Machiavelianism was positively associated with hostility, and narcissism was negatively associated with hostility. Age moderates to some extent the relationship between dark personality traits and physical aggression. Practical implications of these results are disscused.

Dark triad of personality and aggression in adolescents and young people

The present study aims to analyze the relationships between dark triad of personality and aggression in adolescents. Aggression is considered the key factor in the development of criminal behavior, and by deciphering the factors that determine aggression, interventions can be made to prevent and diminish delinquent behavior. In this study, 134 persons between 15 and 28 years old participated, M = 20.48, AS = 2.50, of whom 34 were males and 79 were females. The instruments used to assess the dark personality traits and aggression were The Aggression Questionnaire, BPAQ (α = .89) and Short Dark Triad, SD-3 (α = .79). The results showed that boys have higher levels of physical aggression than girls, while girls have higher levels of anger and hostility than boys. In addition, psychopathy was positively associated with physical aggression, verbal aggression, and anger, Machiavelianism was positively associated with hostility, and narcissism was negatively associated with hostility. Age moderates to some extent the relationship between dark personality traits and physical aggression. Practical implications of these results are disscused.

Physical aggression and attentional bias to angry faces: An event related potential study

This study aimed to identify the neural correlates of aggression-related attentional selectivity to angry faces in physical aggression. Physical aggression in a non-clinical sample of young men (N = 36) was measured using an aggression questionnaire. Visual attentional bias to angry faces was assessed using a dot-probe task during which angry and neutral faces were presented simultaneously, and EEG was recorded. Median split and correlational analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between physical aggression and attentional bias. Behavioural results indicated that higher levels of physical aggression were associated with greater attentional bias to angry faces. ERP results revealed an interaction where males with higher physical aggression had undifferentiated P3 amplitudes to angry and neutral trials, whereas low physical aggression males exhibited greater P3 amplitude to angry than to neutral trials (effect of probe congruency). Increased levels of physical aggression were also significantly correlated with increased P3 amplitude to probes replacing neutral faces, relative to angry faces. It was concluded that the aggressive males selectively attend to angry faces, and that attentional bias is characterized by undifferentiated P3 amplitude. We propose that this results from an inferior ability to downregulate competing angry face distractors when responding to probes replacing neutral faces (as reflected by the P3 response). These findings indicate that attentional bias to angry faces in individuals with higher physical aggression is characterized by a distinctive ERP signature; this could inform the development of therapeutic interventions seeking to reduce aggression.

Behavioral diagnostics of aggressive behavior of National police officers by psychological training measures

The results of the empirical research of aggressive behavior of the officers of the National Police have been presented. The objective of the research was to substantiate the psychological training as a method of psychological diagnosis of behavioral aggressiveness of police officers.In total, empirical studies covered 138 police officers aged 24-35 from different regions of Ukraine, where there were 57 women and 81 men who passed advanced training courses at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs.To determine the testometric aggressiveness of the subjects, the authors have used two standardized questionnaires for the diagnosis of aggressiveness (P. Kovalov - Ye. Ilina and L. Pocheubut) and the projective method “Test of a hand” by E. Wagner. The authors have distinguished the indicators of testometric aggression of the officers of the National Police of different gender; have conducted their comparative analysis. It has been found out that police officers in general are characterized by a low level of personal and behavioral aggression. It has been found out that male police officers have a significantly higher level of physical aggression than females. Women, in turn, are more vulnerable to manifestations of verbal aggression than men. Analysis of the projective methodology for the diagnosis of aggression confirms the results of the questionnaires about the general low level of aggressiveness of police officers. It has been determined that police officers, regardless of gender, have intrinsic insensitivity to the influence of society, low sensitivity to the opinion of others, the reluctance to build symmetrical relations, which in the end points to an aggressive orientation within interpersonal interaction.The standardization of psychological training exercise “Chair” has been carried out in accordance with the scales reflecting strategies of denial, replacement, assistance seeking, aggression, regression and cooperation. The authors have carried out the assessment of the expressiveness of behavior according to the mentioned strategies at three levels: low, medium and high. It has been clarified that the use of aggressive and regressive behavior strategies and assistance seeking are the most typical for police officers.Comparison of the indicators of testometric and behavioral aggressiveness of the officers of the National Police has been conducted. It has been found out that none of the testometric indicators of aggression of police officers increases linearly in the case of comparison between the groups selected by the level of behavioral aggression. It points to the fact that the real behavioral aggressiveness is a polyderterministic, multifactorial phenomenon. The authors have determined two indicators of testometric aggressiveness of police officers, which differ in polar according to behavioral aggressiveness of groups – they are verbal and substantive aggression. Thus, these types of aggression serve as empirically verified testometric indicators of behavioral aggressiveness and can be used for its evaluation in the process of professional and psychological selection of candidates for service in police and in the psychological support of police officers.On the basis of the conducted research, the authors have concluded about the fundamental possibility of using psychological training as a mean of psychological diagnosis of aggressive behavior of police officers.

Racial discrimination and relationship functioning among African American couples.

Racial discrimination is a common stressor for African Americans, with negative consequences for mental and physical well-being. It is likely that these effects extend into the family, but little research has examined the association between racial discrimination and couple functioning. This study used dyadic data from 344 rural, predominantly low-income heterosexual African American couples with an early adolescent child to examine associations between self-reported racial discrimination, psychological and physical aggression, and relationship satisfaction and instability. Experiences of discrimination were common among men and women and were negatively associated with relationship functioning. Specifically, men reported higher levels of psychological aggression and relationship instability if they experienced higher levels of racial discrimination, and women reported higher levels of physical aggression if they experienced higher levels of racial discrimination. All results replicated when controlling for financial hardship, indicating unique effects for discrimination. Findings suggest that racial discrimination may be negatively associated with relationship functioning among African Americans and call for further research on the processes underlying these associations and their long-term consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effect of the interaction between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) and stressful life events on aggression in Chinese Han adolescents

ObjectivesAccumulating evidence suggests that stressful life events are associated with increased risk for aggressive behavior in adolescents; however, aggressive reactions to life stressors exhibit large individual differences. The present study sought to examine whether the interaction between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP [rs53576]) within the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and stressful life events is related to aggression in Chinese Han adolescents. MethodsA total of 197 Chinese Han adolescents (14–17 years of age) were included in this study. Aggression was assessed using the 12-item short version of Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Stressful life events during the past 12 months were assessed using the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and buccal cells from each individual. ResultsMultivariate analysis of variance yielded a significant interaction between OXTR rs53576 SNP and life stress (F = 2.449, p = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.051) and of sex × SNP × life stress (F = 3.144, p = 0.016, partial η2 = 0.064). High life stress during the past 12 months was associated with high levels of physical aggression and hostility in OXTR rs53576 homozygous AA adolescents but not in G-carrier adolescents. In boys, homozygous AA individuals in the high life stress group reported significantly higher levels of physical aggression than participants in the other three groups; the interaction, however, was not significant in girls. ConclusionsThis study, which analyzed a specific gene-environment interaction, demonstrated that AA OXTR rs53576 homozygosity may correlate with higher levels of aggression under high life stress conditions with a sample of healthy Chinese Han adolescents. These findings promote the etiological understanding of adolescent aggression, highlighting the complex effect of stressful life events on aggression, and adding evidence supporting the relationship between the oxytocin system and aggressive behavior in adolescents.

Cortisol Moderates the Relation Between Physical Peer Victimization and Physical Aggression in Preschoolers Attending High-Quality Child Care: Evidence of Differential Susceptibility Across Informants

We examined whether the moderating role of cortisol in the relation between physical peer victimization and physical aggression was better accounted for by a diathesis–stress model or a differential susceptibility model using a multiinformant approach (direct observations, teacher reports, and parent reports) of 198 preschool-aged children attending high-quality child care. Controlling for the influence of household income, hours per week in child care, and child age, we found that our results supported a differential susceptibility effect for boys but not for girls. This effect was replicated within reporters (observer and parent reports) and across reporters (parent-reported victimization and teacher-rated aggression) but for boys only. At higher levels of peer victimization, lower levels of basal cortisol were associated with higher levels of physical aggression, but, at lower levels of peer victimization, lower levels of basal cortisol were associated with lower levels of physical aggression. Furthermore, at higher levels of peer victimization, higher levels of basal cortisol were associated with lower levels of physical aggression, but, at lower levels of peer victimization, higher levels of basal cortisol were associated with higher levels of physical aggression. These results highlight the complex interplay between the social environment and biobehavioral systems in early childhood and the value of considering a differential susceptibility framework in peer-relations research.

Are Polydrug Users More Physically and Verbally Aggressive? An Assessment of Aggression Among Mono- Versus Polydrug Users in a University Sample.

Early research has revealed that patterns of aggression and antisocial behavior are present among polydrug users. Often missing from this discourse is the examination of whether polydrug users are quantitatively different from monodrug users in their use of aggression. Theoretical perspectives are often centered on the psychopharmacological effects of substance use on behavior. Consideration of possible poly- versus monodrug use differences and their impact on aggression has not been investigated. Data from this study were derived from a sample of Midwestern university students (N = 793). The relationship between violence, aggression, and concurrent polydrug use in the last year is assessed with a series of multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. Results demonstrate that higher incidents of physical and verbal aggression are reported among polydrug users compared to monodrug users and abstainers. When analyses were broken down by polydrug users (those who engaged in alcohol/marijuana and alcohol/NMUPD [nonmedical use of prescription drugs] stimulants), polydrug users reported higher levels of physical aggression compared to monodrug users. Similarly, monodrug users reported higher levels of physical aggression compared to nonusers. This research extends our understanding of aggression among users from two different subcategories: polydrug users in comparison to those who only engage in one form of substance use. Scholars and practitioners who work with violent offenders should consider patterns of drug use behavior when addressing substance use-related aggression.

Examining the effect of prenatal testosterone and aggression on sporting choice and sporting longevity

Digit ratio (2D:4D; a putative correlate of prenatal testosterone) has been reported to be negatively associated with aggression in non-sporting and sporting populations. 2D:4D has previously been suggested to be a potential biomarker for successful competitive performance within football, rugby, athletics, skiing, and gym-based exercises. However, to date no study has attempted to investigate prenatal testosterone levels as a predictor of sporting choice. This study included a sample of both athletes and non-sports people in order to examine associations between prenatal testosterone (2D:4D), aggression, choice of sport (contact vs. non-contact), attainment level, and longevity. 200 male participants completed a self-report measure for aggression followed by providing a hand scan, which was later used to measure 2D:4D using Vernier Calipers. Results showed individuals involved in sport exhibited significantly greater levels of both prenatal testosterone (lower 2D:4D) and physical aggression compared with their non-sporting counterparts. Athletes from contact sports (rugby and football) were found to have significantly lower 2D:4D and significantly higher levels of physical aggression compared to athletes from non-contact sports (basketball, golf, weight-training, badminton). Additional findings, regarding longevity, showed those exposed to higher levels of prenatal testosterone (low 2D:4D) had been involved in sport for more years compared to those with high 2D:4D, adjusting for age. Findings may contribute to more reliable predictions of sporting selection and longevity. Future studies should look to replicate findings across a greater variety of sports using professional/elite populations.

Language development mediates the relationship between gender and relational aggression: A study of Iranian preschool children

ObjectiveResearch has highlighted the role of gender in the expression of aggression. While boys display higher levels of physical aggression, girls appear to display higher levels of relational aggression. It is proposed that the expression of relational aggression may be associated, at least in part, with a child's development of language skills. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of expressive and receptive language in the expression of relational aggression.MethodA sample of 106 four to six‐year‐old Iranian children completed a test of language ability while their teachers completed a rating scale measuring the children's expression of relational aggression.ResultsResults supported the hypothesis that language skills play an important role in the development of relational aggression. Teachers reported that girls displayed significantly more relational aggression that boys. Girls were also found to have higher receptive and expressive language than boys. Finally, a mediation analysis found that language skills mediated the relationship between gender and relational aggression.ConclusionsThe results suggest that gender differences in the expression of relational aggression may be related to gender differences in the development of language as opposed to gender per se.

PREDICTING THE EMERGENCE OF PRECLINICAL MENTAL DISORDERS TO COMBATANTS

Nozologically formed borderline mental disorder (BMD) in combatants have a lower prevalence of mental disorders unlike a painful level. Blurred diagnostic criteria do not allow to attribute to the category of BMD the short-term outage of disturbance of mental adaptation - transient affective and behavioral reactions (TABR). In order to develop the expectancy model of TABR formation an analysis of personality characteristics of 649 combatants of the Interior Ministry have been carried out. Intermittent TABR in anamnesis revealed in 311 persons, such states and other violations of mental adaptation was not recorded in 338. Four years later, after the trip to zones with special service conditions, according to the I. Kotenev's method and Bass-Dark's test combatants revealed signs of maladjustment and high levels of physical aggression. Based on the data the TABR model has been designed using logistic regression and method of forced variables input. It was found that the risk of TABR formation increases with a decrease in the indicator "the invasion of the symptoms" scale and by increasing the parameters in the scale of "hyperactivity symptoms," "distress and maladjustment," "signs of post traumatic stress disorder" "physical aggression" and "verbal aggression". This shows that TABR more often appear in combatants with increased excitability in everyday life and a high level of physical aggression, while the symptoms of re-experiencing the traumatic event are not the triggering factor of TABR formation. This technique was proposed to use in medical and psychological support of personnel to prevent formation of TABR in combatants.

International note: Maternal warmth, behavioral control, and psychological control: Relations to adjustment of Ghanaian early adolescents

This investigation addressed the relation between maternal warmth, behavioral control, psychological control, and psychological adjustment in a sample of 119 Ghanaian adolescents (42% boys) living in an urban area (mean age = 14.19). Adolescents in the sample reported clinically elevated levels of depression and anxiety. Significant associations were found between warmth, behavioral control, and psychological control and adolescents' anxiety, physical aggression, relational aggression, positive friendship quality, and conflict with friends. Warmth moderated the effect of behavioral control on anxiety, physical aggression, and relational aggression such that higher levels of warmth in combination with higher levels of behavioral control were related to more positive adjustment. Higher levels of warmth in conjunction with higher psychological control were related to higher levels of anxiety. Boys who reported lower levels of warmth in combination with higher behavioral control reported higher levels of physical aggression. For boys reporting higher levels of warmth, higher behavioral control was associated with lower physical aggression.