Revised Conflict Tactics Scales Research Articles

Examining strength at home couples to prevent intimate partner violence on a military installation: A randomized controlled trial.

In this study, the effectiveness of a couples-based group intervention to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), Strength at Home Couples (SAH-C), was examined on a military installation relative to a comparison intervention, Supportive Prevention (SP). It was expected that greater reductions in use of physical, psychological, and sexual IPV behaviors, as well as reduced suicidality, would be found among service members and their partners in SAH-C relative to SP. Participants included 138 couples randomized to SAH-C and SP through a clinical controlled trial embedded in a hybrid effectiveness implementation study which took place on a military installation. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales and Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse were used to measure IPV, and 13 Military Suicide Research Consortium common data elements were used to assess suicidality. Service members randomized to SAH-C evidenced greater reductions based on effect sizes across the assessment time points for all IPV variables, including use of overall physical IPV, severe physical IPV, sexual IPV, psychological IPV, and coercive control IPV relative to those randomized to SP. Partners of service members demonstrated a similar general pattern for reductions in use of IPV, but findings were not as robust as for service members. Both service members and partners demonstrated greater reductions in suicidality based on effect sizes when randomized to SAH-C relative to SP. Findings extend prior work demonstrating the promising effects of SAH-C delivered in the military context and highlight the possible benefits of SAH-C in preventing self-harm thoughts and behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Reliability of the revised conflict tactics scales (CTS2) in measuring prenatal intimate partner violence in the central region of Vietnam

Introduction: Prenatal intimate partner violence (p-IPV) is drawing much attention from society and researchers due to its significant increase and complexity. There is no standardized scale to collect information related to p-IPV in Vietnam. Thus, our study aims to evaluate the reliability of the scale used to measure p-IPV. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 495 pregnant women in their third trimester (gestational age from 28-42 weeks) in Da Nang city. Information on p-IPV was collected based on Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Based on Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald’s omega (ω), and test-retest to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale. Results: Our study found that p-IPV was observed in 27.8% of pregnant women, with the proportion of those enduring all three types of violence being 3.4%; experiencing any two forms of violence was 12.9%, and facing one type of violence was 11.4%. The CTS2 scale is evaluated with Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald’s omega (ω), and a test-retest of ≥0.8. Conclusion: The CTS2 has high reliability and can be utilized to explore aspects of i-IPV in the Central region of Vietnam. Keywords: Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), intimate partner violence (IPV), pregnant women.

Psychological Aggression in Couples Seeking Relationship Therapy: A Dyadic Analysis of Individual and Relational Risk Factors

Several studies have investigated the risk factors for the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) over the years. However, most research on IPV has focused on physical violence, limiting our understanding of psychological aggression. This study addressed this limitation by examining the relative contribution of several individual and relational risk factors (i.e., alcohol and cannabis use, relationship satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and attachment insecurities) with regard to the use of psychological aggression in both partners of couples reporting high relationship distress. The sample included 392 couples seeking relationship therapy. Couples were recruited by their therapist during the first therapy session and the partners completed the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, the abbreviated Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the abbreviated Experiences in Close Relationships, and the Psychological Symptoms Index. We conducted path analyses based on the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. When accounting for all factors in a single model, lower relationship satisfaction and higher attachment-related avoidance were associated with both partners’ higher use of psychological aggression. Cannabis use and harmful alcohol use were not associated with the individual’s own use of psychological aggression, but they were associated with their partner’s higher use of psychological aggression. Depressive symptoms and attachment anxiety were not significant predictors of psychological aggression. There were no gender differences in these associations. The findings of the present study suggest that several intrapersonal and interpersonal risk factors explain the use of psychological aggression in couples.

Prevalence of intimate partner violence in pregnant women during the COVID-19 epidemic in Qazvin-Iran 2021

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnant women is considered one of the most important types of violence, which can include physical, psychological abuse and sexual violence. During the lockdown due to COVID-19, the home is at risk of becoming a very dangerous place for victims of domestic violence. We aimed to determine the prevalence of IPV and associated factors in pregnant women in Qazvin, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 pregnant mothers who were referred to the Kowsar Hospital Prenatal Clinic in Qazvin in 2021. Participants were assessed using a questionnaire consisting of four parts (demographic data, Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) for domestic violence, The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) for IPV. Data were collected and analysis was performed via SPSS software version 22 using a non-parametric test; Mann–Whitney and × 2 tests.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPV was higher in pregnant women than their husbands in Qazvin. The most common form of IPV was psychological aggression (24.8%), followed by scale of injury (8.2%), physical (3.3%) and sexual (4.2%) violence. In addition, analysis of the AAS questionnaire shows that psychological violence is the most common form of domestic violence among pregnant women.ConclusionIn this study, IPV in pregnant women has increased slightly compared to studies conducted in the years leading up to the COVID-19. Risk of IPV was not related to previous COVID-19 infection. Collaborative efforts between various stakeholders and policy actions must be taken to ensure the safety and protection of pregnant women during this challenging time.

Intimate Partner Violence And Its Profound Effects On Maternal Well-Being And Mother-Child Interaction Within The Hazara Community

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread social issue that has significant effects on women's health and wellbeing around the globe. This study examines the complex dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Pakistan and its effect on maternity and mother-child interaction. Utilizing a wide range of variables, including cultural influences, demographics, and the complex effects of intimate partner violence. Quantitative research study explores the intricate connections between intimate partner violence, maternity, and mother child interaction. The methodological approach involves data collection from various institutes of Quetta. A sample of 170 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Utilizing self-report questionnaire, demographic characteristics, the revised conflict Tactics Scale (RCTS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) are employed for analysis. Statistical analysis reveals significant correlation between PBQ and negotiation, physical assault, injury, Sexual Coercion and RCTS, which indicate problems bonding in intimate relationships, are linked to an increase in bargaining, physical assault, sexual coercion, injury, and overall relationship conflict. This association shows a possible link between decreased partner bonding and increased levels of conflict within partnerships. The RCTS shows a significant positive correlation between physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury, suggesting that higher levels of these issues may lead to higher levels of relationship conflict.

Sibling Violence and Bullying Behaviors in Peers: The Mediational Role of Self-Esteem.

In the context of the existing research on families, sibling violence is a less explored area. However, it has seemingly received more attention recently, and it can assume a relevant role in understanding the maladaptive behavior of youngsters and bullying. Additionally, adolescents involved in bullying and self-esteem are associated with disruptive violence inside the family context. This study's sample consisted of 286 students, aged between 12 and 17 years, from both sexes. This study intends to explore the association between sibling violence and bullying behavior in peers and the mediator effect of self-esteem. The measures for data collection were a demographic questionnaire, the Social Exclusion and School Violence Questionnaire, The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (Portuguese version for siblings), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results show a negative effect between negotiation in the sibling relationship (victimization) and social exclusion and verbal aggression related to bullying behavior. Self-esteem represents a total and negative mediator in this connection. Our results also show a variety of indirect outcomes amongst the negotiation dimension, psychological aggression and injury between siblings, and the social exclusion and verbal aggression dimensions (on the aggression and victimization scales). The results will be discussed according to the attachment theory but considering the importance of affective bonds with siblings as a predisposing factor to an adaptive development course.

Gender moderates the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and mutual intimate partner violence in an emergency department sample.

Patients in emergency departments (EDs) constitute a diverse population with multiple health-related risk factors, many of which are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). This paper examines the interaction effect of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impulsivity, drug use, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), at-risk drinking, and having a hazardous drinker partner with gender on mutual physical IPV in an urban ED sample. Research assistants surveyed 1037 married, cohabiting, or partnered patients in face-to-face interviews (87% response rate) regarding IPV exposure, alcohol and drug use, psychological distress, ACEs, and other sociodemographic features. IPV was measured with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. Interaction effects were examined in multinomial and logistic models. Results showed a significant interaction of gender and PTSD (odds ratio [OR] 3.06, 95% CI 1.21-7.23, p < 0.05) for mutual IPV. Regarding main effects, there were also statistically significant positive associations between mutual physical IPV and at-risk drinking (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.77, p < 0.05), having a hazardous drinker partner (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.35-3.55, p < 0.01), illicit drug use (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.18-3.71, p < 0.01), ACEs (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.42, p < 0.01), days of cannabis use past in the 12 months (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.002-1.005, p < 0.001), and impulsivity (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.29-3.22, p < 0.01). IPV risk assessment in EDs will be more effective if implemented with attention to patients' gender and the presence of various and diverse other risk factors, especially PTSD.

Sibling Violence and Position in Sibling Dyad in a Sample of Adolescents: How Does It Relate to Self-Esteem?

(1) Background: Research regarding sibling violence is still scarce, although it is the most common type of intrafamily violence. Every sibling’s position in the sibling dyad seems to influence this type of violent conduct since every status has its characteristics. Siblings involved in aggressive behavior seem to be described as having low self-esteem. This study intends to test the predictive effect of self-esteem, sibling position and sex on sibling violence development. (2) Method: The sample consists of 286 students, aged between 12 and 17 years, from both sexes. A social demographic questionnaire and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales—the Portuguese Sibling Version (CTS2-SP) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used for data collection. (3) Results: The results show an association between self-esteem in sibling violence, as well as an association between sibling position on negotiation and sexual coercion’s perpetration and victimization. Sex also predicts the negotiation of psychological aggression’s perpetration and psychological and physical aggression’s victimization. (4) Discussion: the results will be discussed according to the attachment theory, considering the importance of affective bonds with siblings as adaptive development facilitators.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Refugee Men: Prevalence and Correlates With Associated Factors

This study examined the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and associated factors among male refugees within a refugee community. A sample of 441 Syrian refugee men from Al- Za'atari refugee camp and other cities was conveniently recruited, and data was collected in 2022 using the revised conflict tactics scale. The findings revealed that psychological IPV was the most prevalent form of abuse, while negotiation, injury, and physical IPV were rare. The age and education level of the men were related to the prevalence of negotiation, psychological victimization, and physical victimization committed by women. Certain demographic variables were found to predict the prevalence of psychological and physical victimization, injury, and the absence of negotiation. The study highlights the importance of recognizing that male refugees can be victims of IPV and emphasizes the need for supportive resources and assistance. Improving living conditions in refugee camps and providing employment opportunities are strongly recommended to address this issue.

Domestic violence against Iranian women during the Covid-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study.

Despite the fact that public health measures such as social isolation can help control the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, these procedures may contribute to elevated levels of stress and escalate various forms of violence against women. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of domestic violence and identify factors associated with domestic violence during the Covid-19 lockdown among married women attending healthcare centers in Iran. This cross-sectional study, conducted between 2020 and 2021, focused on a sample of 5317 married women who sought healthcare services within urban centers across five major cities in Iran. Sampling was done through a multistage cluster method. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) were used to assess levels of violence. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample t-test, Chi-square, and multiple logistic regression) with the SPSS software version 22. During the Covid-19 lockdown, psychological violence was reported by 66.7% of women (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.44%-67.98%), physical violence by 44.8% (95% CI, 43.43%-46.10%), sexual violence by 28.8% (95% CI, 27.60%-30.03%), and injury by 24.5% (95% CI, 23.39%-25.70%). The multiple logistic regression showed several significant factors associated with domestic violence. These included low levels of social support (p < 0.001), shorter duration of marriage (p < 0.001), unemployment of both women (p < 0.007) and their spouses (p < 0.001), poor economic status (p < 0.001), as well as substance abuse by the husband, including alcohol (p < 0.001) and drug abuse (p < 0.01), and smoking (p < 0.01). The findings highlighted the magnitude of domestic violence against women during the Covid-19 lockdown. It is crucial to implement comprehensive strategies that encompass preventive and responsive measures to address domestic violence not only during lockdowns but also in the post-lockdown period.

Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence on Refugee Men, with Depression as a Key Outcome

ABSTRACT The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the association between exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and symptoms of depression among a sample of married refugee men. The study recruited a convenient sample of 539 married Syrian refugee men residing in refugee camps and other locations in Jordan between 2021-2022. A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed. IPV and symptoms of depression among the participants were assessed by the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. The findings of the study revealed a moderate prevalence of depression among the refugee men, with the most experienced types of IPV being the absence of negotiation with partners, psychological violence, physical violence, and injury. Significant positive correlations were observed between all types of IPV and symptoms of depression. It was determined that approximately 80% of the variation in symptoms of depression could be explained by the combination of the four types of IPV. Psychological violence was the strongest predictor for symptoms of depression followed by the absence of negotiation between partners and the occurrence of injury. Offering recommendations for interventions would aid in the development of effective strategies and support systems aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of IPV on the mental well-being of married refugee men.

Intimate Partner Violence and Inflammaging: Conflict Tactics Predict Inflammation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

In long-term relationships, conflict is inevitable, but physical and psychological aggression is not. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a known risk factor for age-related disease onset, and inflammation likely links the two. This study explores relationships between frequency of constructive (i.e., negotiation) and destructive (i.e., aggression) conflict tactics with inflammation in both younger and older adulthood. Based on the theory of inflammaging, the study investigates whether these associations were stronger in mid-to-late adulthood. At one visit, 214 participants in long-term romantic relationships had their blood drawn to assess six inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, IL-6; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-α; c-reactive protein, CRP; serum amyloid A, SAA; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, sICAM; soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, sVCAM) and reported frequency of destructive and constructive conflict tactics with their partner in the past year on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale short form. Age interacted with number of destructive conflicts per year to predict serum IL-6 (F(1, 200) = 5.3, p = .022), TNF-α (F(1, 180) = 4.2, p = .043), sICAM (F(1, 193) = 7.0, p = .008), and marginally SAA (F(1, 199) = 3.7, p = .055), such that middle-aged and older adults who reported more destructive tactics had higher inflammation. Also, the relationship between constructive conflict frequency and TNF-α also depended on age (F(1, 177) = 4.9, p = .029), in that older adults who reported a greater number of constructive tactics had lower TNF-α. Couples' conflict tactics may influence levels of inflammation, and, therefore, aging rate, in mid-to-late life. Middle-aged and older adults may disproportionately benefit from a healthy partnership and suffer from an unhealthy partnership.

The Cyber Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence, Context, and Relationship With In-Person Intimate Violence Victimization

This study aimed to examine the extent and characteristics of cyber intimate partner violence (IPV) and in-person IPV (IP-IPV) in a sample of 214 women aged 18–60 years in Jordan. A cross-sectional, correlational design was implemented, using the Cyber Aggression in Relationships and Revised Conflict Tactics Scales to evaluate both in-person and cyber IPV. The findings revealed that 65.4% of participants reported experiencing some form of cyber IPV, while 98.7% reported experiencing IP-IPV within the previous six months. Some demographic factors were linked to the prevalence of two cyber IPV types (cyber-stalking and cyber psychological aggression). Psychological and physical abuse were the most prevalent forms of IP-IPV. Exposure to cyber IPV was a predictor of psychological, physical, and injury types of IP-IPV. Overall, this study highlights the alarming prevalence of both IP-IPV and cyber IPV against women in Jordan and their interrelatedness

Women with mood disorders and couples conflict: menopause symptom improvement, after group therapy

Objective Although a public health crisis, intimate partner violence (IPV) has been understudied for middle-aged women with mood disorders during their perimenopausal and postmenopausal years. The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between IPV and hot flashes/night sweats (HF/NS) frequency and severity among women with mood disorders and to test whether the effect of cognitive behavioral group therapy on menopausal symptoms differs between those with and without IPV at baseline and post-test. Methods Of 59 participants from a mood disorders outpatient clinic enrolled in the parent study, 24 experienced IPV. This study analyzed pretreatment and post-treatment data from the Revised Conflict Tactic Scale – Short Form-2, and HF/NS frequency and severity ratings on the Hot Flash Daily Diary using the McNemar chi-square test. Results The presence of any type of violence at pretreatment was significantly (p < 0.01) linked to improvements in HF/NS frequency and severity. Women who showed improvements in negotiation skills had better outcomes in menopausal symptoms. Sexual coercion increased from one to three women. Conclusions Negotiation skills may help women with mood disorders to reduce HF/NS frequency and severity. More studies need to be conducted with a special focus on helping women in this population.

Development of A Japanese Version of the Family Poly-Victimization Screen (FPS-J)

This study developed a Japanese version of the Family Poly-Victimization Screen (FPS-J) and assessed its validity. A cross-sectional study using self-report questionnaires was conducted with parents of children in Tokyo, Japan, from January to February 2022. To test the validity of the FPS-J, we used the Japanese versions of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form (J-CTS2SF) as the gold standard for intimate partner violence (IPV), the Conflict Tactics Scale Parent-Child (J-CTS-PC) for child abuse (CAN), the Conflict Tactics Scale (J-MCTS) for elder abuse, the K6-J for depression and anxiety, the PCL5-J for post-traumatic stress disorder, and the J-KIDSCREEN for Health-related Quality of Life among children. Data from 483 participants (response rate: 22.6%) were used. The J-CTS2SF and J-CTS-PC scores were significantly higher among the IPV/CAN-victim groups than in the non-victimized groups classified by the FPS-J (p < 0.001). The JMCTS scores did not differ significantly between the victim and non-victim groups (p = 0.44), but the PCL5-J, K6-J, and J-KIDSCREEN-10 scores were either significantly higher or lower among victims of violence than among the non-victim groups (p < 0.05). This study suggests the validity of parts of the FPS-J, especially the IPV against respondents and CAN by respondents.

Dehumanization in female victims of intimate partner violence.

Dehumanization is a psychological construct meaning denying a person's humanity. The present study has investigated the process of dehumanization in female victims of intimate partner violence using the grounded theory approach. For this purpose, 130 women in Tehran were selected through the convenience sampling method, and after completion of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), 60 female victims were identified. In-depth interviews started with these women, and the data reached theoretical saturation by interviewing ten victims. The data analysis shows the role of dehumanization in the experiences of female victims of intimate partner violence in the form of two models. The first model showed that from the victim's perspective, dehumanization plays a crucial role in intimate partner violence. The second model showed that dehumanization was experienced by these women and is involved in developing strategies in their response to the violence. The combination of these two models showed that dehumanization and violence in the context of domestic violence have a reciprocal relationship, forming a cycle between cognitions, emotions, and negative behaviors between couples. Data analysis demonstrated that dehumanization might have a role in experiencing intimate partner violence and contribute to IPV recurrence.

Comparison of coping methods in marital disputes and the communication pattern of couples in married women with and without borderline personality

Objective: Numerous studies indicate the existence of fears, tensions, legal conflicts and traumatic interpersonal relationships and their subsequent low quality of life in patients with borderline personality. The purpose of this research was to compare the ways of dealing with marital disputes and the communication pattern of couples in married women with and without borderline personality. Method: The current research was a causal-comparative study and the participants were selecting by random available sampling method in Qom city in 2018, including 100 subjects and 50 individuals for each group, and among them, Leichsenring’s borderline personality questionnaire (1999), Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2, 2004) and Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ, 1984) were distributed. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software and univariate analysis of variance. Results: There was a significant difference between the marital discord scales and couples' communication patterns in women with and without borderline personality, with 99% confidence. Based on the obtained data, the components of the scale of marital disputes (injury, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, physical violence, mental violence) and the scale of couples' communication patterns in women with and without borderline personality, showed more than 47% of the effect, in women with and without borderline personality. Conclusion: The results showed that self-learning variables marital intimacy and job satisfaction positively and significantly affect marital adjustment.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Domestic Violence in Primigravidae in Low Socio-Economic Areas of Hamedan, Iran

Background and Objective: Domestic violence against women is a major physical and mental health problem all across the globe. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy, as well as its correlation with sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 pregnant women who were referred to the health care centers of Hamedan in 2022. Data were collected through a questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic characteristics, psychological characteristics, and the questionnaire on domestic violence (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales OR CTS2). Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 20) using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Chi-square. Results: The overall Prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy was 58.6%. The prevalence rates of emotional, sexual, and physical violence were obtained at 46.8%, 31.6%, and 27.7%, respectively. The level of education, occupation, wealth index, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, had a significant relationship with domestic violence (P&lt;0.001). Domestic violence was significantly correlated with unplanned pregnancies (P&lt;0.001), self-esteem (P&lt;0.004), stress (P&lt;0.001), social support (P&lt;0.001), and prenatal depression (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study pointed to a relatively high prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy. Therefore, it is suggested that all prenatal care centers have a screening program to identify domestic violence. Moreover, it is recommended to educate health professionals and women at risk and implement support programs for injured women.

Dyadic coping in young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer: a latent class analysis

Cancer is a shared stress that can cause psychosocial and emotional burdens for both patients and their partners. This study aimed to identify patterns of dyadic coping (DC) among young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer and to assess between-group differences. Between June 2021 and November 2021, patients with gynecological cancer who received therapy in a tertiary-grade hospital in Shandong, China, completed questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the PROMIS-Anxiety Short Form, the PROMIS-Depression Short Form, and the revised Conflict Tactics Scale and were classified into subtypes by latent class analysis. The sample consisted of 339 patients. Approximately one-third of the patients, especially cervical cancer patients, were exposed to varying degrees of DC issues. Three patterns were identified: class 1, middle-DC group (33.6%); class 2, low-DC group (32.2%); and class 3, high-DC group (34.2%). Postmenopausal patients were more likely to be included in class 1, while patients with cervical cancer were more likely to be included in class 2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in class 2 were more likely to report insufficient emotional support (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found for social relationship domains, and a negative correlation was found for anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). The findings indicated a high prevalence of DC in young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer. Overall, participants scored in the low-to-middle range in terms of DC levels, and patients with cervical cancer and those with insufficient emotional support were more likely to report DC issues and require additional attention.

Aggression and violent behavior in the military: Self-reported conflict tactics in a sample of service members and veterans seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder

Irritability, angry outbursts, and aggression are common among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although aggression can be a problem among many individuals with PTSD, research suggests that the relationship between PTSD and aggression might be particularly relevant among military/veteran populations as compared to civilians. The current study examined psychological and physical aggression in a large sample of treatment-seeking military service members and veterans (N = 1434) enrolled in nine PTSD clinical trials. A baseline assessment using a modified version of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales evaluated aggression toward others in the past month. The results indicated that psychological aggression was more prevalent than physical aggression among military personnel with PTSD. Overall, 84.7% reported engaging in weekly psychological aggression, and 11.4% reported weekly physical aggression. Shouting at someone, insulting someone, and stomping off during a disagreement were the most frequent forms of psychological aggression endorsed. The findings provide a detailed account of the point prevalence and nature of various self-reported aggressive behaviors in military personnel with PTSD.