Abstract Background We investigated differences in intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics of adolescents with and without reported aggressive behaviours (AB). We distinguished two types of intrapersonal factors (self-esteem (SE), self-control (SC)) and three types of interpersonal factors (prosocial peers (PP), supportive relationships at home (SRH), supportive relationships at school (SRS)). We separately examined self-directed aggressive behaviours (self-destructive thoughts, self-destructive behaviour) and other-directed aggressive behaviours (using vulgar words, fighting, physical harm, intimidation, mockery of classmates). Methods A representative sample of 1101 adolescents (50.1% female, mean age of 13.5 years) was collected from primary schools in Slovakia. The respondents completed the SE Scale, the SC Scale, the Resilience and Youth Development scale and they were also asked about the frequency of AB. In each form of AB (self- and other-directed) two groups were created: those who reported some AB and those who did not report any AB. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for the data analysis. Results Almost 75% of the adolescents reported some AB towards others and 41% reported self-harming thoughts or behaviours. Statistically significant differences were observed for both self-directed AB (SE: p<.001, SC: p<.001, PP: p<.001, SRH: p=.013, SRS: p<.001) and other-directed AB (SE: p=.034, SC: p<.001, PP: p<.001, SRH: p=.039, SRS: p=.016). In all cases adolescents who reported AB typically had a lower level of intrapersonal and interpersonal variables compared to those who did not report AB. Conclusions The study contributed to the understanding of factors linked to aggressive behaviour of adolescents and confirmed the associations with self-esteem, self-control, supportive relationships at home and at school and having prosocial peers. Key messages Aggressive behaviour of adolescents can be linked to interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. The above holds for both self- and other-directed aggression.
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