Incidence Of Aggressive Behavior Research Articles

AGGRESSIVE PATIENT IN HEALTHCARE FACILITY – EXPERIENCE OF A SELECTED SAMPLE OF NURSES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: DESCRIPTIVE, CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Aim: To identify and describe the experience of a selected sample of nurses with aggressive behaviour by patients and their family members. To describe what nurses rate as the most common causes of aggression and what strategies nurses most commonly use to manage it. To determine whether there is a statistically significant association between the incidence of aggressive behaviour and length of practice in the selected sample of nurses. Methods: This study included a group of nurses from a selected healthcare facility, totalling 67 nurses. A self-constructed questionnaire was used. The data were processed in STATISTICA 12 software using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient. This study complied with the EQUATOR (STROBE) checklist. Results: More than 70% of the nurses in our study had experienced aggressive behaviour by a patient. Nurses are most often exposed to verbal aggression, especially swearing and insults. Less frequently, they encounter physical assault. Most often, it is the patients who are aggressive; patients’ families or visitors are rarely aggressive. To manage aggressive behaviour, nurses most often use calm, assertive communication. In the selected sample of nurses, there was no significant association between the incidence of aggressive behaviour and length of nursing experience. Conclusions: Our results show that most of the nurses in the selected sample have negative experiences with aggressive behaviour. Knowledge of assertive communication can significantly contribute to minimising conflicts associated with aggressive behaviours in patients. The research conducted may serve as a basis for further research.

Role of Empowerment on Incidence of Aggressive Behaviors among Nurses: Literature Review

Role of Empowerment on Incidence of Aggressive Behaviors among Nurses: Literature Review

Evaluation of Heavy Metal (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Manganese) Levels in Blood, Plasma, and Urine of Adolescents With Aggressive Behavior.

Background Heavy metals can cause health problems by affecting the biological structure even at very low concentrations. Asymptomatic heavy metal poisoning causes non-specific symptoms such as behavioral disorders, difficulty in learning, and aggressive behaviors. There is also a great concern about the incidence of aggressive behavior among adolescents. A few research studies have concluded that a complex interaction or combination of factors leads to an increased risk of aggressive behavior in adolescents. This study aims to determine the correlation between the heavy metal levels in blood, plasma, and urine and the aggression level in adolescents. Materials and methods Two hundred twenty-eight adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 were enrolled in the study. Blood, plasma, and urine heavy metal levels of the participants were measured by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) device (Model 7700x; Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Buss and Perry's aggression questionnaire was used to investigate the correlation between heavy metals and aggressive behaviors in adolescents. Results Lead blood (r=0.34, p<.01), lead plasma (r=0.22, p<0.01), lead urine (r=0.31, p<.01), mercury blood (r=0.35, p<0.01), mercury urine (r=0.21, p<0.01), manganese blood (r=0.34, p<0.01), manganese plasma (r=0.33, p<0.01) and manganese urine (r=0.39, p<0.01) were positively correlated with tendency to aggression whereas no significant relationship was found between cadmium in blood, plasma, urine and mercury in plasma with aggression. Conclusion The study showed valuable data to associate a significant relationship between adolescents' aggression levels and heavy metals. There is an undeniable relationship between the health of adolescents and environmental pollution caused by heavy metals. Therefore, taking the necessary measures to prevent environmental heavy metal pollution is crucial for adolescent health.

Effectiveness of De-Escalation in Reducing Aggression and Coercion in Acute Psychiatric Units. A Cluster Randomized Study.

ObjectiveMost guidelines for the management of aggressive behavior in acute psychiatric patients describe the use of de-escalation as the first-choice method, but the evidence for its effectiveness is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of verbal and non-verbal de-escalation on the incidence and severity of aggression and the use of physical restraints in acute psychiatric wards.MethodsA multi-center cluster randomized study was conducted in the acute wards of all psychiatric hospitals in Slovenia. The research was carried out in two phases, a baseline period of five consecutive months and an intervention period of the same five consecutive months in the following year. The intervention was implemented after the baseline period and included training in verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques for the staff teams on experimental wards.ResultsIn the baseline study period, there were no significant differences in the incidence of aggressive behavior and physical restraints between the experimental and control groups. The incidence rates of aggressive events, severe aggressive events, and physical restraints per 100 treatment days decreased significantly after the intervention. Compared to the control group, the incidence rate of aggressive events was 73% lower in the experimental group (IRR = 0.268, 95% CI [0.221; 0.342]), while the rate of severe events was 86% lower (IRR = 0.142, 95% CI [0.107; 0.189]). During the intervention period, the incidence rate of physical restraints due to aggression in the experimental group decreased to 30% of the rate in the control group (IRR = 0.304, 95% CI [0.238; 0.386]). No reduction in the incidence of restraint used for reasons unrelated to aggression was observed. After the intervention, a statistically significant decrease in the severity of aggressive incidents (p < 0.001) was observed, while the average duration of restraint episodes did not decrease.ConclusionDe-escalation training is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of aggression and the use of physical restraints in acute psychiatric units.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05166278].

The relationship between history of dietary nutrients intakes and incidence of aggressive behavior in adolescent girls: A case-control study.

Aggressive behavior (AB) progress to a major concern among adolescents. The present study is designed to assess possible association between dietary intake of macronutrient, some micronutrient, cholesterol, and antioxidants with AB in adolescent girls, from age 9-13 years old. In the case-control study, a total 212 primary school girls between 9 and 13 years of age were divided into two groups (106 with AB and 106 healthy) base on aggression score of the Buss-Perry questionnaire. A 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate nutritional intake of subjects. Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative variables between the two groups according to the normality of data distribution. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between case and control groups. Logistic regression models were used to assess possible association of nutrients intake with AB. The consumption of more simple carbohydrate [odds ratios (OR): 14.53, confidence interval (CI): (13.23, 17.56)] total fat [OR: 13.31, CI: (8.50, 16.47)], SFAs [OR: 11.831, CI: (8.94, 15.36)], TFAs [OR: 9.10, CI: (6.87, 10.12)], and caffeine [OR: 16.26, CI: (14.53, 17.88)] significantly increase the occurrence of aggressive behaviors. Conversely, intake of fiber [OR: 0.997, CI: (0.012, 0.999)], W3 [OR: 0.991, CI: (0.040, 0.999)], and vitamin K [OR: 0.994, CI: (0.990, 0.999)] were marginal associated with reduced odds of AB. The intake of caffeine, simple carbohydrate, total fat, SFAs, TFAs, could increase the occurrence of AB.

The incidence of aggressive behavior in cats naturally infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and its interaction with FIV disease progression.

A study was undertaken to determine the possible interaction between aggressive behavior and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) disease progression based on semi‑quantitative viral load levels and health status in naturally FIV‑infected cats. FIV status was determined in ninety‑six owned and stray cats, using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Aggressive tendencies were assessed based on observation and the cats' demeanor as determined by the owners and shelter caretakers. Results showed that forty‑seven cats (49%) were PCR‑positive for FIV infection and all aggressive cats were FIV‑positive (100%). FIV infection was significantly linked to extreme aggressive tendencies and the extremely aggressive FIV‑infected cats were more likely to have an unhealthy status compared to the non‑aggressive individuals (p = 0.022). There was also a significant difference (p = 0.012) in the mean Cycle threshold (Ct) values between the aggressive and non‑aggressive FIV‑infected cats and also between the unhealthy FIV‑infected cats with extreme aggressive tendencies and the healthy FIV‑infected individuals without aggression (p = 0.001). Accordingly, results indicated that parameters associated with FIV disease progression are directly linked to aggression. The possible impact of FIV on the behavioral pattern of naturally infected cats should not be underestimated. However, there is an urgent need to conduct more experiments to support the assumptions about the possible exacerbation of aggression tendencies in naturally FIV‑infected cats following the direct effect of FIV through the course of the infection.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI ASERTIF DENGAN KEJADIAN PERILAKU AGRESIF PADA REMAJA

Aggressive behavior is an action that aims to dominate or behave destructively by using verbal or physical strength aimed at the object. Aggressive behavior can occur at any stage of age including adolescents. Emotional development in adolescence causes adolescents to have a high desire for something, where this period is a critical period and a time of rebellion. One of the factors that influence the aggressive behavior in adolescents is the ability to carry out assertive communication. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between assertive communication skills and aggressive behavior in adolescents. This study used descriptive correlation design with cross sectional approach. The sample of 42 was recruited using simple random sampling in SMA 5 Kota Kediri. The result showed that there most a half respondent (40,5%) have good assertive communication skills with moderate levels of aggressive behavior. Based on Chi Square: ρ-value 0,000&lt; 0,05 it has been recognized that there is a correlation between assertive communication skills and aggressive behavior in adolescents. Based on the results of these studies it is expected that parents or the school will provide education about the importance of assertive communication and can be a role model for adolescents in behaving so that the incidence of aggressive behavior and juvenile delinquency can be reduced.

Can Japanese quail male aggressions toward a female cagemate predict aggressiveness toward unknown conspecifics?

The incidence of aggressive behaviors in mature poultry is a topic of high concern from a welfare and economic point of view. Herein, we evaluated in Japanese quail whether the level of male aggressiveness expressed toward a female cagemate can predict aggressiveness towards other unknown conspecifics. At 4 week of age, birds were housed in 90 male-female pairs in pedigree breeding cages. Aggressive and reproductive home cage behaviors were recorded when birds were 11 to 12 week of age, during 20 min observations along 9 sampling days (180 min total). Males were classified as either frequent (F-FP), none (N-FP) or intermediate (I-FP) female peckers according to whether they respectively directed more than 5, 0 pecks, or between 1 and 5 pecks towards their female cagemate during breeding period. At 16 week of age, 15 social interactions between 1 F-FP and 1N-FP male were evaluated during 60 min in a novel environment with the audience of two unknown females (raised with an I-FP male partner) that were confined behind a wire mesh partition. Fourteen social interactions showed aggressive behaviors between males. A higher proportion of F-FP males (13 out of 14 times) resulted dominant of the male:male interaction while N-FP males resulted dominant in only 1 opportunity (P < 0.00001). During the test, F-FP males also performed a higher (P < 0.01) number of pecks at the unknown female audience (through the mesh partition) than their N-FP male counterparts. Findings suggest that male homecage aggressive performance towards a female cagemate partner may have predictive value about their aggressiveness towards unknown males and females in an unfamiliar environment. Interestingly, female quails that were paired with F-FP males also showed an impaired (P < 0.01) plumage condition than the females paired with N-FP males, suggesting that evaluating the female plumage condition we could also identify males with an aggressive profile.

Aktywność fizyczna jako czynnik redukujący zachowania agresywne u młodzieży w wieku gimnazjalnym

Violence among adolescents is one of the most serious problems, and has significantly increased in recent years. Studies conducted in 2011 on aggression and violence in schools reported that the most widespread form of offence is verbal aggression. As many as 63% of students had experience of being ridiculed, humiliated or offended. According to research, 33% of students suffered from physical aggression (PA). The aim of the study to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of aggressive behaviour in adolescents of lower -secondary school age. The study was conducted in autumn 2013, in West Pomerania province in Poland, among 807 students of a lower -secondary school. A diagnostic survey method with a standardized questionnaire (Aggression Questionnaire) by H. Buss and M. Perry of 1992 (Amity version) was used. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistica Pl version 10 using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the U Mann–Whitney test with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed only a statistically significant difference between the groups surveyed in relation to the frequency of attendance at additional sports activities and the level of PA (p = 0.02). Subjects who engage in team sports show a higher tendency for physical aggression than those engaged in individual sports. Taking into account the higher level of PA in adolescents performing sport 3–4 times a week compared to physically inactive and very active adolescents (more than 5 times a week), it may be presumed that sport attracts people with high physical aggression tendencies. Only with strong involvement in sport is the level of aggression reduced. There is a need for research on the personality of young athletes, which would give credence to this thesis.

Pharmacological management of persistent hostility and aggression in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review.

The incidence of aggressive behaviors is higher among persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) than among persons without such disorders. This phenomenon represents a risk to the well-being of patients, their families, and society. The authors undertook a systematic review of the English language literature to determine the efficacy of neuropharmacological agents for the management of hostility and aggression among persons with SSDs. The search combined findings from the Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Ninety-two full text articles were identified that reported relevant findings. The American Academy of Neurology criteria were used to determine levels of evidence. Paliperidone-extended release is probably effective for the management of hostility among inpatients with SSDs who have not been preselected for aggression (Level B). Clozapine is possibly more effective than haloperidol for the management of overt aggression and possibly more effective than chlorpromazine for the management of hostility among inpatients with SSDs who have not been preselected for aggression (Level C). Clozapine is also possibly more effective than olanzapine or haloperidol for reducing aggression among selected physically assaultive inpatients (Level C). Adjunctive propranolol, valproic acid, and famotidine are possibly effective for reducing some aspects of hostility or aggression among inpatients with SSDs (Level C). Paliperidone-extended release currently appears to be the agent for the management of hostility among inpatients with SSDs for which there is the strongest evidence of efficacy.

Aggression on haemodialysis units: a mixed method study.

Aggression on haemodialysis units is a growing problem internationally that has received little research attention to date. Aggressive behaviour by patients or their relatives can compromise the safety and well-being of staff and other patients sharing a haemodialysis session. The objectives of the study were twofold: First, to identify the prevalance and nature of aggression on haemodialysis units; and second, to investigate factors that contribute to aggressive behaviour on haemodialysis units. A cross-sectional, sequential mixed method research design was adopted, with two research methods utilised. Incidents of aggressive behaviour were recorded over a 12-month period, using a renal version of the Staff Observation Aggression Scale. Six months after the incident data collection had commenced, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 multidisciplinary members of staff. Over 12 months, 74 aggressive incidents were recorded. The majority of incidents involved verbal aggression, and the perpetrators were a minority of patients, relatives and staff. Two patients were responsible for 38% of all incidents; both patients had mental health problems. Distinct temporal patterns to the aggressive behaviour were observed according to the day of the week and time of day. This study demonstrates that aggression is a significant problem on haemodialysis units, with verbal aggression most prevalent. The temporal patterns to aggression observed are related to the uniqueness of the haemodialysis setting, with a distinctly different treatment environment compared with other healthcare settings.

Aggressive behavior, protective factors and academic achievement at students inside and outside the system of institutional care

The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the aspects of aggressive behavior, their strengths (protective factors) in the prevention of behavioral disorders and academic achievement, in children within and out of institutional forms of education. The study was conducted on a sample of 264 students in seventh and eighth class of elementary school, of whom 134 were in institutional care, while 130 were outside the institutional forms of education. Data were collected by a questionnaire, which included two measuring instruments: Check-list of advantages and Buss & Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). The children who live in institutional care showed a higher incidence of aggressive behavior, compared with children who are out of institutional care. Children placed in institutional care have less protective factors for the prevention of behavioral disorders, worse general school success, as well as poorer success in Nature/ Biology, compared to non-institutional children. A negative and statistically significant relationship was found between the incidence of aggressive behaviors and protective factors in the prevention of conduct disorder, as well as between the incidence of aggressive behavior and overall school success. A significant positive correlation was found between the protective factors and success in the English language. The results indicate the necessity to consider alternative forms of care for children without parental care, in close cooperation of all relevant institutions and individuals who take care for children.

807 – The relationship between ward occupancy level and staff-to-patient ratio and incidents of aggressive behavior on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit in iran

Objective Violence in psychiatric wards is common, and it is on the rise. This study examined the relationship between ward occupancy level and staff-to-patient ratio and incidents of aggressive behavior, both physical and verbal, on an acute inpatient unit in Iran. Methods Logistic regression was used to analyze data collected from the ward's log of adverse incidents and the ward census over a 12-month period. A physical incident was defined as an unwelcome physical contact or willful damage to property. Incidents of self-harm were excluded. Verbal aggression was any threat of physical or sexual harm. Results Among 381 admissions during the study period, 58 incidents were recorded--25 incidents of verbal aggression and 33 incidents of physical violence. Logistic regression demonstrated that the occupancy level was positively associated with the occurrence of any type of violent incident. The average occupancy level when an incident occurred was 77 percent, compared with 69 percent when no incidents occurred. The average occupancy level was significantly higher when verbal incidents occurred (80 percent) than when physical incidents occurred (70 percent). No association was found between violence and staff-to-patient ratio. Incidents were significantly more likely to occur during the afternoon shifts (3 p.m. to 11 p.m.). Conclusions Crowding was found to be significantly associated with aggressive incidents, and in particular with verbal aggression.

The influence of a magnesium-rich marine extract on behaviour, salivary cortisol levels and skin lesions in growing pigs

Growing pigs can display undesirable behaviours, reflecting or causing poor welfare. Addition of magnesium (Mg) to the diet could reduce these, as Mg supplementation has been associated with improved coping ability in response to stress. This study examined the effect of supplementation with a Mg-rich marine extract-based product (Supplement) on the behaviour, skin and tail lesion scores and salivary cortisol concentrations of growing pigs. At weaning (28 days), 448 piglets were assigned to either Control or Supplement (0.05%) diets in single-sex groups of 14. Four weeks later (c. 17 kg), pigs were blocked according to weight and back test scores. Seven piglets from each pen were mixed with seven from another pen of the same sex and dietary treatment to yield the following groups: control male, Supplement male, control female and Supplement female (n = 4 of each). This marked the start of the 9-week experimental period. Instances of the following behaviours were recorded in each pen for 8 × 2 min periods 1 day/week: aggression (fight, head-knock and bite); harmful (tail-in-mouth, ear-chewing and belly-nosing); and sexual/mounting behaviour. Four focal pigs were selected from each pen, and their behaviour was continuously recorded for 2 × 5 min periods on the same day. Saliva was collected once per week at 1000 h by allowing pigs to chew on a cotton bud for c. 1 min. Salivary cortisol was analysed in duplicate by an enzyme immunoassay. Skin and tail lesions were scored according to severity 1 day/week. There were fewer aggressive incidents in Supplement pens (P < 0.01), and mounting behaviour (performed only by males) was almost three times lower in Supplement than in control pens (P < 0.01). However, there was no effect of Supplement on the incidence of each of the harmful behaviours. Behaviour of the focal pigs showed no treatment effect on the duration or incidence of aggressive behaviour. However, Supplement pigs spent less time performing harmful behaviours compared with control pigs (P < 0.001). Supplement had no effect on the occurrence or severity of tail-biting outbreaks or on tail lesion scores. However, Supplement females had lower skin lesion scores, in particular in the ears and shoulders (P < 0.01). Finally, Supplement pigs had lower salivary cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01). Mounting is a major welfare concern in uncastrated pigs, and therefore this represents an important welfare benefit of Supplement. Reduced salivary cortisol, in conjunction with reduced skin lesion scores in supplemented females, suggests that addition of a Mg-rich marine extract improved pig welfare in this system.

2772 – Legal and psychological correlations of aggressive behaviors in schizophrenia

Aggressive behaviors in schizophrenia generate interest not only experts taking care of treatment, but also lawyers and public opinion. For the best part of society incidence of aggressive behaviors suggest that aggressive person is mentally ill. This oversimplification is one of the most important factors which lead to stigmatization and social isolation patients suffering from schizophrenia. Researches indicate that acts of aggression occur more often in the course of schizophrenia than in another mental disorders and it is being connected with psychopathological symptoms, personality traits and social environment. Sparse data suggest also as a reason of it worse functioning of frontal lobes in these patients, which may manifest itself in the form of emotional disturbances. The most typical symptom in this domain is liability of mood leading which can lead to aggressive behaviors. In the literature, however, there is no model that would explain precisely connection of all of these factors with aggression in schizophrenia. Based on the results obtained to the correlates of aggression, understood as a possible cause of violent behavior in schizophrenia, we developed four models regarding to the treatment and the legal aspects of dealing with excited and aggressive patient. In our studies we included the proceedings after receiving the approval of the patient, in the case of not getting permission (approval) - after obtaining permission the court, or - in urgent cases - after receiving a positive opinion of two psychiatrists or a psychiatrist in consultation with the psychologist.

626 – Aggressive behaviors in schizophrenia - personality, environmental-situational and neuropsychological predictors

Aggressive behaviors in schizophrenia generate interest not only experts taking care of treatment, but also public opinion. For the best part of society incidence of aggressive behaviors suggest that aggressive person is mentally ill. This oversimplification is one of the most important factors which lead to stigmatization and social isolation patients sufferning from schizphrenia. Researches indicate that acts of aggression occur more often in the course of schizophrenia than in another mental disorders and it is beeing connected with psychopathological symptoms, personality traits and social environment. Sparse data suggest also as a reason of it worse functioning of frontal lobes in these patients, which may manifest itself in the form of emotional disturbances. The most typical symptom in this domain is difficulty to control behaviors which can lead to aggressive behaviors. In the literature, however, there is no model that would explain precisely connection of all of these factors connected with aggression in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to assess intensity and identify different kind of aggression, which occur in patients suffering from schizophrenia, and explanation of connections between aggressive behaviors, psychopathological symptoms and neuropsychological, personality and environment factors.

Ten-Year Trends in Intoxications and Requests for Emergency Ambulance Service

Background. Intoxication, whether from alcohol, drugs, or alcohol and drugs in combination, remains a challenging burden on emergency departments. The increasing alcohol consumption among adolescents and young adults, particularly heavy episodic drinking, and the resulting increase in the use of health care resources for alcohol intoxication has been a widely discussed topic. Objective. The aim of our study was to assess and characterize the use of emergency ambulance services that was required as a result of alcohol and drug intoxication in a major metropolitan area. Methods. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study over a 10-year period in the greater metropolitan area of Zurich, Switzerland. The study population included intoxicated patients assessed and initially treated by paramedics of the emergency ambulance service. Data were extracted from the ambulance service reports. The primary outcomes measured were trends over time in the numbers and types of intoxication and trends with respect to gender and age distributions of intoxicated patients. Results. An annual increase of about 5% in the number of intoxicated patients requiring emergency ambulance service was observed over the study period. Alcohol use was present in 73% of the cases. The highest number of cases was among patients 25–44 years of age. The greatest increase in the number of cases over time was among patients under 25 years of age. Women comprised 41% of the patients under 25 years of age but only about 35% of older patients. The number of severe injuries and suicide attempts was small, but the number of suicide attempts increased at a higher rate than the overall number of cases of intoxication. There was a significant increase (17.64% per year on average) in the incidence of aggressive behavior toward paramedics from intoxicated patients, although still small in numbers. Conclusions. Our findings suggest two main vulnerable groups: young persons under 25 years of age, with a particular focus on women, having the greatest increase over time, and middle-aged men, having the greatest proportion among all cases observed. Intervention efforts should include a high-risk approach to reduce alcohol-related problems. Key words: alcohol intoxication; substance-related disorders; aggression; injuries; emergency medical services

P2‐385: KIF6 719Arg allele predicts statin responsiveness in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease patients

assistant. At the end of the day, club staff return participants to their respective units at individualized times to ease transition to existing milieu. There is a two-week trial period upon admission to the program followed by weekly monitoring to assure participants meet the criteria of the Club. For some residents, it is an interim solution to disruptive behaviors on their home unit; for others, it is long-term placement. In rare cases, it is respite for a resident that is a victim of aggressive behavior. Discharge criteria from the Club setting include behavior that is dangerous to other residents or staff, lack of participation or benefit from therapeutic structure, and/or medical needs that cannot be met in the Club setting. Results: Although data is preliminary, there are many documented benefits from this approach including reduced incidents of aggressive behavior and a decreased need for psychoactive medications. Other advantages include an increase in normal sleep patterns, reduced falls and hospitalizations, as well as, improvement in the overall quality of life through a more structured activities program. Conclusions: Not only do the residents themselves benefit from temporary or ongoing management in this setting, but the therapeutic milieu of the facility overall is enhanced.

Male sexual harassment alters female social behaviour towards other females

Male harassment of females to gain mating opportunities is a consequence of an evolutionary conflict of interest between the sexes over reproduction and is common among sexually reproducing species. Male Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata spend a large proportion of their time harassing females for copulations and their presence in female social groups has been shown to disrupt female-female social networks and the propensity for females to develop social recognition based on familiarity. In this study, we investigate the behavioural mechanisms that may lead to this disruption of female sociality. Using two experiments, we test the hypothesis that male presence will directly affect social behaviours expressed by females towards other females in the population. In experiment one, we tested for an effect of male presence on female shoaling behaviour and found that, in the presence of a free-swimming male guppy, females spent shorter amounts of time with other females than when in the presence of a free-swimming female guppy. In experiment two, we tested for an effect of male presence on the incidence of aggressive behaviour among female guppies. When males were present in a shoal, females exhibited increased levels of overall aggression towards other females compared with female only shoals. Our work provides direct evidence that the presence of sexually harassing males alters female-female social behaviour, an effect that we expect will be recurrent across taxonomic groups.

Corporate submissiveness

The appeal of an organization, or belonging to a certain group depends upon the satisfaction each group member derives from his function within the greater system. In contrast to that, a frequent occurrence is the incidence of aggressive behavior within the organization system, motivated by the need to impose power. Individuals who refuse to comply with such a model of managing others, become themselves the victims and subjects to actions aimed at their social isolation. This paper aspires to identify the reason why majority of employees tends to accept the imposed subordinating position at the working place without complaint. The other issue the author is addressing is the drive behind individual solidarity with the leader, especially in cases when the leader in question demonstrates unjustified aggression towards certain employee(s).