Self-reported Aggressive Behavior Research Articles

58 Examining the Link Between Self-Reported Anxiety and Aggressive Behaviors

Objective:It is well known that there are differences between men and women in anxiety and aggression. Moreover, prior research has shown an association between anxiety and aggression but the strength of these associations in males and females has not been well characterized, and it remains unclear whether such associations are driven by comorbid disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse. Therefore, we examined these associations in a large sample of males and females, and statistically controlled for the aforementioned potential confounding variables.Participants and Methods:A total of 13,313 adults completed the survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk between April 2020 and April 2021, including 5,598 females (Mage=36.4, SD=11.9) and 7,654 males (Mage=37.81, SD=12.7). Aggression was measured using the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), while the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) scale was used to gauge anxiety levels. PTSD was assessed with the PC-PTSD scale, and alcohol misuse was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory (AUDIT). Data were analyzed with zero-order correlations and linear regression to control for the effects of PTSD and alcohol misuse. Lastly, we used a Fisher r-to-z transformation to compare the correlations between males and females for both physical and verbal aggression with anxiety.Results:Higher aggression (i.e., BPAQ) was correlated with greater anxiety (i.e., GAD; r(13213)=0.482, p<0.0001)). This association between anxiety and aggression held even when other potential confounders were controlled, such as PTSD (p<0.0001), and alcohol misuse, p<0.0001. Additionally, the correlation between anxiety and physical aggression was significantly stronger in males than females (z=5.02, p<0.0001), a pattern that was also true for the association between anxiety and verbal aggression (z=4.13, p<0.0001).Conclusions:Our findings suggest that there is a linear relationship between the severity of anxiety and the severity of both verbal and physical aggression, that these associations tend to be stronger among males, and are not accounted for by associated conditions such as PTSD or alcohol misuse. This data augments existing research on the factors that contribute to aggression and further suggest that anxious feelings are more directly associated with aggression in males. These findings raise the possibility that interventions that target anxiety may prove helpful in reducing aggressive behavior among males. It may be fruitful for future work to identify neural systems that are associated with both anxiety and aggression and which are also modulated by sex. While measures of neurochemistry were not collected here, prior research has suggested that there are sex differences in brain systems that rely on serotonergic neurotransmission and arginine vasopressin, which could provide a target for future work.

Long-term effect of cybervictimization on displaced aggressive behavior across two years: Mutually predicting mediators of hostile emotion and moral disengagement

Although the negative effects of cybervictimization are attracting increasing attention, its long-term consequences among college students and the underlying mechanisms behind the effects are still unclear. We attempted to address these issues by testing the mutually predicting mediators of hostile emotion and moral disengagement in the potential longitudinal effect of cybervictimization on self-reported displaced aggressive behavior across two years. The victims’ subscale of the Cyberbullying Inventory for College Students, the hostile emotion subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form, the Civic Moral Disengagement Questionnaire, and the Displaced Aggression Questionnaire were completed by 1157 undergraduates in three waves, one year apart. The results of the longitudinal multiple mediating model and cross-lagged panel model analyses showed that, after controlling for displaced aggressive behavior at Wave 1, cybervictimization at Wave 1 predicted hostile emotion and moral disengagement at Wave 2, which in turn predicted displaced aggressive behavior at Wave 3. Moreover, hostile emotion and moral disengagement could longitudinally predict each other. A motivation perspective was developed to comprehensively interpret the multiple mediating model with two mutually predicting mediators. Our findings and ideas contribute to cyber psychology by enhancing the understanding on the negative consequences of negative social experiences derived from Internet use (e.g., cybervictimization) and give practical implications to maintain mental health in Internet use.

Exploring predictors of aggressive intrusive thoughts and aggressive scripts: Similarities and differences in phenomenology.

Experiencing a thought about harming or injuring another person is commonly reported by the general population. Aggressive intrusive thoughts (AITs) and aggressive scripts are two constructs commonly used to define the experience of thinking about harming another person. However, they are generally investigated separately and with two significantly different population groups; respectively, individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and people with a history of violent behavior. AITs and aggressive scripts are assumed to have very different implications for violence risk assessment, but conceptual overlap and an absence of empirical research renders this assumption premature. Using a battery of self-report measures, this study aimed to investigate the differential predictors of AITs and aggressive script rehearsal in a nonclinical sample. Additionally, using regression analyses, the predictors of self-reported aggressive behavior were explored in a sample of 412 adults (73% females; Mage = 31.96 years, SD = 11.02). Violence-supportive beliefs and frequency of anger rumination predicted the frequency of aggressive script rehearsal, and aggressive script rehearsal, anger rumination, and violence-supportive beliefs predicted a history of aggressive behavior. In contrast, obsessive beliefs were predictive of AITs, and only AITs were related to ego-dystonicity. Both AITs and aggressive script rehearsal were related to the use of thought control strategies. These findings support the contributions that maladaptive beliefs have in the experience of aggressive scripts and AITs. Beliefs about violence, a history of aggressive behavior, and ego-dystonicity appear to differentiate aggressive scripts from AITs.

A Study on the Effects of Responsive Outpatient Aggression Regulation Therapy for Juveniles

Introduction: Effectiveness of Responsive Outpatient Aggression Regulation Therapy (ReART-Outpatient) for juveniles with severe aggression problems was investigated. Methods: Re-ART-Outpatient for juveniles (n=44) was compared with a control group (n=48) receiving treatment as usual on several treatment outcome measures. Results: Re-ART-Outpatient showed significantly better results on risk of violent recidivism, impulsivity, motivation, handling anger, self-reported aggressive behavior, and cognitive distortions. Discussion: This could be explained because Re-ART is systemic and individualistic, targeting various aggression-related criminogenic risk factors. Further research with adequate sample sizes, randomized, at multiple locations, with data on actual recidivism, is recommended.

I Am Bold, and Do Not Care for Social Norms: The Role of Faux Pas Recognition in the Relation Between Psychopathy and Aggression

ABSTRACT Psychopathy is found to be associated with aggression. However, the role of “understanding the mental states of others” in this relation is not clearly understood yet. The current study aimed to increase our understanding of a specific ability of understanding the mental state of others, namely recognizing a faux pas, and understand the relation of this “social misstep” in self-reported aggressive behavior. The sample consisted of 105 individuals from the community (both males and females) who were tested with the Faux Pas test and several self-report questionnaires assessing triarchic psychopathic personality traits and aggression. We found a positive relationship between the triarchic constructs and self-reported proactive and reactive aggression. Additionally, although all psychopathy constructs were negatively related to self-reported empathy, only the boldness trait was negatively associated with faux pas recognition. No mediation effect of faux pas on the relation between psychopathy and aggression was found. Current findings underline the importance of differentiating different Theory of Mind and empathic abilities in relation to psychopathy and aggression, which is essential to develop effective interventions.

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.

Effectiveness of an Individual Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Serious, Young Male Violent Offenders: Randomized Controlled Study With Twenty-Four-Month Follow-Up.

Background: Psychological recidivism-reducing interventions with serious, young violent offenders in residential care have unsatisfactory effects. We tested if a complementary individual cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention focusing problem-solving, cognitive self-control, and relapse prevention reduces criminal recidivism beyond usual institutional care encompassing interventions such as social skills training and prosocial modeling (treatment-as-usual; TAU).Method: We consecutively approached 115 eligible serious, male violent crime offenders in five residential treatment homes run by the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care. Eighty-one (70%) 16 to 21-year-old youth at medium-high violent recidivism risk were included and randomized to an individualized 15 to 20-session CBT intervention plus TAU (n = 38) or to TAU-only (n = 43), 4–6 months before release to the community. Participants were assessed pre- and post-treatment, at 12 months (self-reported aggressive behavior, reconvictions) and 24 months (reconvictions) after release. Intent-to-treat analyses were applied.Results: The violent reconviction rate was slightly higher for iCBT+TAU vs. TAU-only youth at 12 months (34 vs. 23%, d = 0.30, 95% CI: −0.24 to 0.84) and 24 months following release (50 vs. 40%, d = 0.23, 95% CI: −0.25 to 0.72), but neither of these differences were significant. Cox regression modeling also suggested non-significantly, negligibly to slightly more violent, and any criminal recidivism in iCBT+TAU vs. TAU-only youth during the entire follow-up. Further, we found no significant between-group differences in conduct problems, aggression, and antisocial cognitions, although both iCBT+TAU and TAU-only participants reported small to large within-group reductions across outcome measures at post-treatment. Finally, the 12-month follow-up suggested marginally more DSM-5 Conduct Disorder (CD) symptoms of “aggression to people and animals” in iCBT+TAU vs. TAU-only youth (d = 0.10, 95% CI: −0.40 to 0.60) although this difference was not significant.Conclusion: We found no additive effect of individual CBT beyond group-based TAU in residential psychological treatment for serious, young male violent offenders. Limited sample size and substantial treatment dropout reduced the robustness of intent-to-treat effect estimates. We discuss the possible impact of treatment dose and integrity, participant retention, and TAU quality.

Aggression differentially modulates neural correlates of social intention attribution to benevolent, tickling and taunting laughter: An fMRI study in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Human laughter is a powerful means of communicating social intention, ranging from welcoming and friendly to hostile and ridiculing. To be communicated accurately, the recipient must correctly identify the laugher’s underlying social intention. Regular misattribution of the social intention of others has been associated with maladaptive psychosocial development, in particular with aggressive behavior. We investigated the relationship between self-reported aggressive behavior and the neural correlates of social intention attributions to different audiovisual laughter types in 50 healthy children and adolescents (29 female, 10–18 years, M 15.5, SD 2.2) using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Trial-by-trial associations of neural response and behavioral attributions were distinctly modulated by aggression for benevolent versus taunting and tickling laughter. With increasing aggression, hostile misattributions of benevolent laughter were associated with decreased dorsolateral prefrontal and anterior insular cortex activation. In contrast, hostile attributions of taunting and tickling laughter were associated with increased superior frontal, superior temporal, medial prefrontal, supplementary motor, and anterior and mid-cingulate cortex activation. We argue that aggression may be associated with down-regulated emotional saliency of benevolent laughter, whereas up-regulated neural responses to taunting laughter may underlie a heightened sensitivity to hostility or acceptance of taunting behavior in more aggressive individuals.

Modification of hostile interpretation bias and self-reported aggression in juvenile delinquents: A randomized controlled trial

Background/ObjectiveThe social information processing model holds that aggressive behavior is closely related to the hostile interpretation of ambiguous social cues, suggesting the possibility that an intervention that reduces hostile interpretations could reduce aggression. This study in Mainland China evaluated the remediating effects of cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) on the hostile interpretation bias and self-reported aggressive behaviors of male juvenile delinquents, taking into account initial hostile interpretation bias as a possible moderator of the intervention effect. MethodFifty-six male juvenile delinquents aged 16-18 were recruited and randomly assigned to the CBM-I group (n = 28) or the Waiting-List group (n = 28). Interpretation bias and self-reported aggressive behavior were assessed at pre-test and post-test. ResultsThe positive interpretations of participants in the CBM-I group were significantly increased compared with participants in the Waiting-List group. The intervention effect of CBM-I on self-reported physical aggression was significant only for juvenile delinquents with high pre-test hostile interpretation bias. ConclusionsCBM-I can significantly improve the positive interpretation bias of juvenile delinquents, and reduce the self-reported physical aggression for some male juvenile delinquents. The results have implications for providing low-cost and high-efficiency intervention for juvenile delinquents’ self-reported aggression behavior.

The Complex Associations Between Early Childhood Adversity, Heart Rate Variability, Cluster B Personality Disorders, and Aggression.

Early childhood adversity can cause an imbalance in the autonomic function, which may in turn lead to the development of trauma-spectrum disorders and aggressive behavior later in life. In the present study, we investigated the complex associations between early adversity, heart rate variability (HRV), cluster B personality disorders, and self-reported aggressive behavior in a group of 50 male forensic inpatients (M age = 41.16; SD = 10.72). Structural Equation Modeling analysis revealed that patients with cluster B personality disorders were more likely to have adverse early childhood experiences and reduced sympathetic dominance in response to a threat than patients without cluster B personality disorders. In addition, HRV and cluster B personality disorders did not significantly mediate the association between early childhood adversity and self-reported aggressive behavior. These findings are important for clinical practice to facilitate specific treatment programs for those affected.

Validation of the cycling anger scale in Singapore

Objectives Emotions can be dangerous companions in road traffic for vehicle drivers and cyclists in particular. It is therefore important to reliably assess emotions like anger in road traffic. The first objective of the present paper is to examine whether the cycling anger scale (CAS) can be used to assess Singaporean Cyclists’ anger experiences in traffic. In addition, it relates the cycling anger measure to similar constructs like driving anger (DAS), and the cyclists’ experiences of trait anger in general in order to further examine the validity of the CAS scale. Methods In an online survey, we distributed the English versions of the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS), the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and the Trait Anger Scale (TAS) to a sample of 116 cyclists from Singapore. We then analyzed the psychometric properties of the CAS. In addition, we correlated cyclists’ CAS ratings with their DAS ratings, TAS ratings, and demographic variables. Finally, we compared cycling anger ratings across cultures. Results With respect to the first objective, we found that the Cycling Anger Scale can be applied to cyclists from Singapore given very minor modifications. Regarding our second objective, we obtained substantial correlations between cycling anger experience, driving anger experience, and general anger experience. In addition, cyclists’ CAS ratings were related to their demographic variables but not to their self-reported aggressive cycling behavior. The cross-cultural comparison revealed that cyclists from Singapore experience less anger than cyclists from other cultures. Conclusions We conclude that we could show the validity of the CAS for cyclists from Singapore. Researchers and practitioners who are interested in safer cycling can apply the CAS in Singapore. In line with other studies, we also conclude that cycling anger experience is related to driving anger experience and general trait anger. However, cycling anger does not seem to be related to self-reported aggressive cycling.

Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Therapy (VRAPT) versus Waiting List Control for Forensic Psychiatric Inpatients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Many forensic psychiatric inpatients have difficulties regulating aggressive behavior. Evidence of effective aggression treatments is limited. We designed and investigated the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic application of a virtual reality aggression prevention training (VRAPT). In this randomized controlled trial at four Dutch forensic psychiatric centers, 128 inpatients with aggressive behavior were randomly assigned to VRAPT (N = 64) or waiting list control group (N = 64). VRAPT consisted of 16 one-hour individual treatment sessions twice a week. Assessments were done at baseline, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures were aggressive behavior observed by staff and self-reported aggressive behavior. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR, TC = 6340). Participants were included between 1 March 2017, and 31 December 2018. Compared to waiting list, VRAPT did not significantly decrease in self-reported or observed aggressive behavior (primary outcomes). Hostility, anger control, and non-planning impulsiveness improved significantly in the VRAPT group compared to the control group at post-treatment. Improvements were not maintained at 3-month follow-up. Results suggest that VRAPT does not decrease aggressive behavior in forensic inpatients. However, there are indications that VRAPT temporarily influences anger control skills, impulsivity and hostility.

Modification of hostile attribution bias reduces self-reported reactive aggressive behavior in adolescents

Aggressive individuals more readily interpret others’ motives and intentions in ambiguous situations as hostile. This hostile attribution bias has been argued to be causally involved in the development and maintenance of aggression, making it a target for interventions. In our current study, adolescents selected for high levels of aggression (N = 39) were assigned to either a test–retest control group or a five-session hostile attribution bias modification training, in which they were trained to make more benign interpretations of ambiguously provocative social situations. Before and after the training, we assessed hostile attribution bias and both reactive and proactive self-reported aggression in both groups. The training not only tended to produce the expected reduction in hostile attribution bias but also crucially led to decreased levels of reactive but not proactive aggression compared with the control group. Our results thus support the idea that hostile attribution bias can be targeted using training techniques and that such training-induced changes in bias may reduce aggression. However, future studies using an active control group and multiple outcome measures are needed to address the long-term effects of training.

Omega-3 supplementation in young offenders: a randomized, stratified, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial

To examine whether omega-3 supplementation reduces antisocial and aggressive behavior in offenders. In this randomized, double-blind trial, 145 young offenders were randomized into three groups: omega-3 (N = 48), placebo (N = 46), and treatment-as-usual controls (N = 51). Measures of antisocial, aggressive, and psychopathic behavior were collected at 0 months (baseline), 3 months (end of treatment), 6 months (3 months post-treatment), and 12 months (9 months post-treatment). Omega-3 supplementation resulted in both short-term and long-term declines in self-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior. Findings were stronger for a reactive-impulsive form of aggression than for proactive aggression and psychopathy. Sensitivity analyses documented long-term reductions at 6 and 12 months in the omega-3 group for officer reports. Results suggest that omega-3 supplementation can help reduce antisocial and aggressive behavior over and above regular treatment programs in young offender institutions, particularly for reactive, impulsive aggression.

Aggressive Behavior, Hostility, and Associated Care Needs in Patients With Psychotic Disorders: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background: Hostility and aggressive behavior in patients with psychotic disorders are associated with demographic and clinical risk factors, as well as with childhood adversity and neglect. Care needs are an essential concept in clinical practice; care needs in the domain of safety for others reflect the actual problem the patient has. Hostility, aggressive behavior, and associated care needs, however, are often studied in retrospect. Method: In a sample of 1,119 patients with non-affective psychotic disorders, who were interviewed three times over a period of 6 years, we calculated the incidence of hostility, self-reported maltreatment to others and care needs associated with safety for other people (safety-to-others). Regression analysis was used to analyze the association between these outcomes and risk factors. The population attributable fraction (PAF) was used to calculate the proportion of the outcome that could potentially be prevented if previous expressions of adverse behavior were eliminated. Results: The yearly incidence of hostility was 2.8%, for safety-to-others 0.8% and for maltreatment this was 1.8%. Safety-to-others was associated with previous hostility and vice versa, but, assuming causality, only 18% of the safety-to-others needs was attributable to previous hostility while 26% was attributable to impulsivity. Hostility, maltreatment and safety-to-others were all associated with number of unmet needs, suicidal ideation and male sex. Hostility and maltreatment, but not safety-to-others, were associated with childhood adversity. Neither safety-to-others, maltreatment nor hostility were associated with premorbid adjustment problems. Conclusion: The incidence of hostility, self-reported aggressive behaviors, and associated care needs is low and linked to childhood adversity. Known risk factors for prevalence also apply to incidence and for care needs associated with safety for other people. Clinical symptoms can index aggressive behaviors years later, providing clinicians with some opportunity for preventing future incidents.

The association of maltreatment and socially deviant behavior––Findings from a national study with adolescent students and their parents

Research has consistently demonstrated that violence and maltreatment are important risk factors for socially deviant behavior among adolescents. This link has not been systematically examined among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we assessed adolescents’ exposure to violence and maltreatment as well as their socially deviant behavior in a national sample of 700 adolescent students in Tanzania (52% girls). In addition to adolescents’ self-reports, we also included their parents’ perspective (N = 332, 53% females). After controlling for other risk factors, we found significant positive associations between emotional violence by teachers, as well as neglect, emotional and physical violence by parents with adolescents’ self-reported delinquent and rule breaking behavior. Positive associations were also found between self-reported parental use of physical violence with adolescents’ delinquent and rule breaking behavior, as reported by their parents. Furthermore, emotional violence by teachers and physical violence by parents were positively associated with adolescents’ self-reported aggressive behavior. These results suggest a strong association between violence and maltreatment at home and at school with socially deviant behavior among adolescents. Our findings emphasize the need to inform parents, teachers, and the population at large about the potentially adverse consequences associated with violence and maltreatment on the healthy development of children and adolescents.

Self-reported aggressive and antisocial behaviors in Moroccan high school students

The aims of the present study were to map the level and distribution of aggressive and antisocial behaviors in a sample of Moroccan high school students and to define the level of these behaviors in adolescents who reported parental alcohol use problems and/or experienced abuse. In total, 375 high school students completed the ?Mental and Somatic Health without borders (MeSHe)? survey that includes the Life History of Aggression scale. Male students had significantly higher scores for aggression and antisocial behaviors than female. The students who reported experience of abuse or parental alcohol use problems scored significantly higher for aggression, self-directed aggression, and antisocial behaviors compared to students not reporting these negative psychosocial factors. Previously shown gender-specific patterns in aggressive and antisocial behaviors, but not in self-harm behaviors were confirmed in these Moroccan high school students. Reported experience of abuse and/or parental alcohol use problems were associated with increased frequency of aggressive and antisocial behaviors.

Predictors of Aggressive Behavior While under the Influence of Illicit Drugs among Young Adult Methamphetamine Users

ABSTRACTBackground: Prior research indicates that patterns of combined alcohol and methamphetamine use may be associated with experiencing subjective feelings of aggression or hostility during methamphetamine use episodes. Objectives: This study examines whether subjective effects of methamphetamine use (i.e., aggression or hostility and paranoia) are associated with aggressive behavior while under the influence of any illicit drugs, controlling for combined alcohol and methamphetamine use and a number of other potential predictors. Methods: Data from a population-based sample of Australian young adult methamphetamine users (n = 101) collected in 2010 was analyzed. A prediction model of aggressive behavior under the influence of illicit drugs was developed using penalized maximum likelihood logistic regression. Results: Over one-third (34.7%) of methamphetamine users had engaged in verbal and/or physical aggression under the influence of illicit drugs in the last 12 months. In the prediction model, recurrent feelings of aggression or hostility attributed to methamphetamine use (≥3 times in the last 12 months) were associated with aggressive behavior (adjusted odds ratio 4.95, 95% confidence interval 1.67, 14.69). This association was independent of methamphetamine-attributed paranoia, combined alcohol and methamphetamine use, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis use patterns, heavy episodic drinking, gender, and age. No association was found for combined alcohol and methamphetamine use. Conclusions: These findings indicate a link between methamphetamine-related subjective feelings of aggression or hostility and self-reported aggressive behavior while under the influence of illicit drugs. This suggests that subjective feelings of aggression or hostility may distinguish those who are involved in aggression from other methamphetamine users.

Modeling the Indirect Association of Combat Exposure With Anger and Aggression During Combat Deployment: The Moderating Role of Perceived Unit Morale

Anger and aggression are common combat-related behavioral health problems. The impact of combat on anger and aggression appears to be largely attributable to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors that moderate the purported pathway from combat to anger and aggression are poorly understood. We examined the conditional direct and indirect associations of combat exposure with self-reported anger and aggression using survey data collected from 592 U.S. Soldiers during a combat deployment in Afghanistan. Unit morale was examined as a moderator between combat exposure and PSTD symptoms, as well as the indirect association of combat exposure with anger and aggression via PTSD symptoms, controlling for depression symptoms. Results indicated that unit morale was negatively correlated with PTSD symptoms and self-reported anger and aggressive behaviors. Perceptions of unit morale moderated the direct association of combat exposure with PTSD symptoms. Unit morale also moderated the indirect association of combat exposure with anger and aggression through PTSD symptoms. Unit morale moderated the association of combat exposure with anger and aggression during combat operations by putatively mitigating the deleterious effect of combat on stress-related symptoms. The impact of policy and leadership on soldier and unit morale should be carefully considered given its protective role during combat operations.

Aggression on the road: Relationships between dysfunctional impulsivity, forgiveness, negative emotions, and aggressive driving

This paper presents an investigation into the relationships between two individual characteristics (dysfunctional impulsivity and forgiveness), negative emotions, and self-reported aggressive behaviors. Based on the general aggression model, it was hypothesized that negative emotions mediate the relationship between dysfunctional impulsivity and aggressive driving. In addition, potentially risk-reducing personality traits such as forgiveness may buffer against the effect of negative emotions on aggressive driving. Five hundred and seventy-eight drivers were asked to imagine two potentially aggression-eliciting driving scenarios and to indicate (a) the extent of hypothetically experienced negative emotions and (b) the likelihood of engaging in mild and extremely aggressive driving behaviors in the described situations. Participants also completed measures of impulsivity and trait forgiveness. The results indicated that self-reported mild and extremely aggressive forms of driving behavior were positively correlated with dysfunctional impulsivity and negatively with forgiveness. Negative affect, composed of four negative emotions (anger, hostility, nervousness, and upset), was associated with aggressive driving. An analysis of mediation revealed that negative affect partially mediated the relationship between dysfunctional impulsivity and self-reported mild aggressive acts (e.g., making a hand gesture). However, the direct effect between dysfunctional impulsivity and extremely aggressive behaviors (e.g., ramming a vehicle) in the situation of intense provocation remained statistically unchanged while accounting for negative affect. It was also found that forgiveness mitigated the influence of negative affect on aggressive behaviors, especially on extremely aggressive driving behaviors.