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PubMed2000

Do positive self-perceptions have a "dark side"? Examination of the link between perceptual bias and aggression.

The hypothesis that positive self-perceptions may have a "dark side" was investigated in the present study by examining the relationship between positively biased self-perceptions and aggression. Ratings of actual and perceived social acceptance of third-grade (n = 278), fourth-grade (n = 260), and fifth-grade (n = 321) students were compared to form a measure of perceptual bias. Peers provided nominations for overt and relational aggression. Gender differences were found for aggression (males were more overtly and relationally aggressive than females) but not perceptual bias. African-American children held more positive perceptions of their social acceptance and were perceived by peers as more aggressive than Caucasian children. Even after controlling for the effects of gender and ethnicity, more positively biased perceptions were associated with more peer nominations for overt and relational aggression. Contrary to an optimal range of bias hypothesis, even moderately positive self-perceptions were associated with elevated levels of aggression.

Aggression↗
PubMed2000

The relation of perceived neighborhood danger to childhood aggression: a test of mediating mechanisms.

In the current study, two mediational mechanisms, parenting practices and children's beliefs about aggression, were hypothesized to account for the relationship between perceived neighborhood danger and childhood aggression. Using structural equation modeling, data were analyzed from an inner-city school-based sample of 732 predominantly African American 5th graders. Results suggested that perceived neighborhood danger was associated with strong positive beliefs about aggression, which in turn was associated high levels of aggression. The hypothesized mediating role of parenting practices (restrictive discipline, parental monitoring, and parental involvement) on the relation between perceived neighborhood danger and child aggression was not supported. However, the current findings suggest that children's positive beliefs about aggression mediated the relationship between restrictive discipline and aggression. Directions for future research are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Preference for aggressive and sexual stimuli in children with disruptive behavior disorder and normal controls.

Children with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) have poor social skills and show aggressive interaction patterns. There is evidence from prospective studies of an association between early physical abuse, later social information-processing patterns, and aggressive behavior. A pattern of hypervigilance to hostile cues has been found in DBD children, but very few studies have investigated encoding or perceptual preference for specific classes of stimuli. Some DBD children have a suspected history of sexual abuse and a few have themselves been sexually offensive. Our belief that the sexuality of DBD children should be investigated raised the issue of how to go about doing this. A procedure was developed in which we measured the relative preference for sexual and aggressive stimuli in comparison to other stimulus categories, and the data of DBD children were compared with those of normal controls. It was found that DBD children preferred viewing sexual slides and had a lower preference for nonaggressive slides. Furthermore, boys in general preferred viewing aggressive slides, did so for longer, and chose them earlier, whereas the more aggressive DBD children distinguished themselves in selecting aggressive stimuli earlier. The implications of these findings were discussed and it was concluded that sexuality is clearly an important topic to address in aggressive children in general and not only in the abused ones.

Aggression↗
PubMed1999

Male and female differences in reports of women's heterosexual initiation and aggression.

Previous work that compared male and female reports of women's heterosexual initiation and aggression is replicated. It was hypothesized that men's reports of women's sexual initiation and aggression would be significantly greater than women's self-report of sexual initiation and aggression in the most recent sample. Of the 24 questionnaire items, 12 of the 17 specifically designed to assess sexual initiation or aggression demonstrated significant reporting differences. For every questionnaire item, except "mutually consenting contact," men reported women initiating sexual contact more often than women self-reported. In addition, comparisons were made to determine the level of agreement between the results of this study and a previous study in which the same comparisons were made with a different sample. It was hypothesized that the identical questionnaire items would demonstrate significant gender-based reporting differences in both samples. This hypothesis was mostly supported with 11 items showing a significant difference in both samples. In both samples, males reported receiving female initiation and aggression more frequently than females reported giving. Logistic regression results supported a difference in perception of women's sexual initiation based on gender of respondent. In both samples men see women's initiation as less conforming to traditional social norms for women and more aggressive than women do. Gender role expectations and social desirability may influence male and female perceptions of female heterosexual initiation and aggression in a way that contributes to significant differences in reporting.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Aggression and threat perception abnormalities in children with learning and behavior problems.

The current study investigated the connection between aggression and the perception of threat in a group of children with learning and behavior problems (N = 103). Aggression was assessed by means of the aggressive behavior subscales of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Teacher Report Form (TRF), and Youth Self-Report (YSR). Perception of threat was measured by studying children's reactions to a series of stories depicting ambiguous social situations. Results demonstrated small but significant correlations between self-reported aggression (as indexed by the YSR) and threat perception abnormalities. That is, high levels of aggression were associated with a high frequency of threat perception, high ratings of threat, high levels of negative feelings and cognitions, and an early detection of threat. Furthermore, no substantial connections emerged between children's level of aggression as rated by parents (CBCL) and teachers (TRF) and threat perception indices. Finally, regression analyses revealed that in particular YSR social problems was a better predictor of most threat perception abnormalities than YSR aggressive behavior. Implications of these findings are briefly discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Theoretical and methodological considerations in cross-generational research on parenting and child aggressive behavior.

The four studies in this special issue represent important advances in research on the intergenerational transmission of aggressive behavior. In this commentary, we review the key features and findings of these studies, as well as our own cross-generational study of aggression, the Columbia County Longitudinal Study. Next, we consider important theoretical issues (e.g., defining and operationalizing "aggression" and "parenting"; assessing reciprocal effects of parenting and child aggression; identifying the ages at which aggression should be assessed across generations; broadening the investigation of contextual and individual factors). We then discuss several methodological issues (e.g., determining the most informative measurement intervals for assessing prospective effects; sampling considerations; measuring potential moderating and mediating variables that might explain cross-generational continuities and discontinuities in parenting and aggression). Finally, we raise implications of cross-generational research for designing interventions targeting the reduction and prevention of child aggression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Angry and aggressive behavior across three generations: a prospective, longitudinal study of parents and children.

This investigation examined intergenerational continuities in both angry, aggressive parenting and also the angry, aggressive behavior of children and adolescents. Data from 75 G2 youth (26 men, 49 women, M = 22-years old), their mothers (G1), and their G3 children (47 boys, 28 girls, M = 2.4-years old) were included in the analyses. The prospective, longitudinal design of the study, which included observational and multiinformant measures, overcame many of the methodological limitations found in much of the earlier research on intergenerational transmission. The results demonstrated a direct connection between observed G1 aggressive parenting and observed G2 aggressive parenting from 5 to 7 years later. G2 aggressive behavior as an adolescent and G3 aggressive behavior as a child were related to parenting behavior but not directly to one another. The results were consistent with a social learning perspective on intergenerational continuities in angry and aggressive behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sexual aggression in mice: effects of male strain and of female estrous state.

We have observed that 50% of FVB/NtacfBR ("FVB") males were aggressive toward females in tests of mating behavior. We decided to gather basic evidence for an effect of genotype on this behavior by testing for strain differences between FVB and C57BL/6J ("B6") male mice. Also, hypotheses developed from theoretical work on sexually coercive behavior suggest there should be a cycling effect on sexually aggressive behavior (Smuts and Smuts, 1993). We tested for an estrous cycling effect by using stimulus females in a state of either estrus or diestrus. Both strains modulated mating behavior to female cycling state. Cycling state did not modulate B6 aggression. FVB males were more aggressive than B6 males, and cycling state modulated their behavior. We conclude that sexually aggressive male mice modulate aggressive behavior to female social signals and indicate how this data can be used to study the genetics of sexual aggression.

Aggression↗
PubMed2003

Aggression and the three opioid families (endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins) in mice.

Previous studies suggest that brain opioid activity decreases aggression in animal models. The main objective of the current study was to examine the possible genetic relationship between intermale aggression and brain levels of enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins in 11 inbred strains of mice. Pursuit, rattling, and attack behaviors were observed in a dyadic encounter with a standard opponent. It appeared that, as expected, enkephalins and endorphins were always negatively correlated with aggression scores. The findings indicate that brain Met5-enkephalin levels were significantly and highly positively correlated with attack latency. Brain adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin levels were significantly and negatively correlated with the number of rattlings, which is consistent with the hypothesis that rattling is a stress-related behavior. In contrast with Met5-enkephalin, ACTH and beta-endorphin, the correlations between dynorphin A and aggression scores were nonsignificant and very low. These preliminary results suggest that common genetic sources of variation contribute to differences between the 11 inbred strains in both endogenous opioidergic systems and intermale aggression. Further studies are required to confirm the genetic relationship between offensive aggression and brain enkephalins and endorphins and to better understand the mechanisms underlying the role of endogenous opioids in offensive aggression with regard to opioid receptor activity.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2005

[Aggressive behaviour and substance abuse among schizophrenic adolescents compared to antisocial adolescents--a follow-up study].

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze aggressive behaviour towards others by schizophrenic as opposed to antisocial adolescents, and the influence of substance abuse before, during and after their hospitalization. METHODS: We analyzed 21 schizophrenic adolescents and compared their aggressive behaviour and their substance abuse to that of 21 antisocial juveniles before and during their hospitalization and again at the time of a follow-up interview. The two samples were matched for age, sex and intelligence. In a first step, data were gathered from the hospital records, in a second step, for follow-up data we conducted standardized telephone interview with the patient and his or her parent or caregiver. Within the analysis we focused on aggressive behaviour towards other people and objects, as well as on criminal acts and regular substance abuse. RESULTS: We found less aggressive behaviour among psychotic patients during and post-hospitalization than among their antisocial counterparts. As inpatients, the acutely psychotic juveniles were at higher risk for aggressive acts, but adequate treatment subdued their offensive behaviour. In the long term, there were fewer criminal arrests among psychotic patients. Only in connection with their substance abuse, their aggressive misconduct towards others increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that drug treatment during adolescence might help to lessen the risk of aggressive behaviour towards others.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Prediction of aggression on a locked psychiatric admissions ward.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the accuracy of clinical and archival predictors of patients' aggressive behaviour on a locked admissions ward. METHOD: Over a 9-month period, staff members estimated the likelihood that patients would become aggressive during their stay in the ward. These unaided clinical assessments were obtained with Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) administered before the end of the first full day of admission. Archival predictions were based on demographic variables (e.g. gender, number of previous admissions, diagnosis) derived from patients' admission forms. Aggressive behaviour was recorded with the Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R). RESULTS: Clinical predictions of aggression were found to be moderately accurate. On the basis of clinical estimates, 75% of the patients were correctly classified as becoming aggressive or not. CONCLUSION: Although a body of evidence indicates that unaided clinical prediction of violent recidivism after hospital discharge does not perform well, it may be quite accurate in estimating short-term aggression risks during acute psychiatric admission.

Aggression↗
PubMed2002

Salivary IgA subclasses and bacteria-reactive IgA in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

The local salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in patients with aggressive periodontitis to oral microorganisms and its role for the pathogenesis has not been determined. This study investigated the hypothesis that aggressive periodontitis patients have impaired oral secretory immunity. Our test group was made-up of 19 aggressive periodontitis patients and 19 age- and gender-matched periodontally healthy controls. Total IgA, IgA subclass 1, IgA subclass 2 and IgA reactive to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4, Treponema denticola ATCC 35404 and Candida albicans DSM 3454 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in whole unstimulated and stimulated saliva. A statistically significantly lower concentration and secretion rate of total salivary IgA (P < 0.01) and IgA1 (P < 0.001) was found in the aggressive periodontitis group in resting and stimulated saliva. A decrease of IgA2 (P < 0.05) was seen in resting saliva. Although only minor differences were detected in the concentration and secretion of bacteria-reactive IgA in both groups, the proportion of bacteria-reactive IgA from the total IgA was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the aggressive periodontitis group in all three microorganisms tested. Our results indicate an inhibition of total secretory IgA. In particular an IgA subclass 1-specific decrease in aggressive periodontitis was noted, while the bacteria-reactive humoral immune system in saliva was activated. The role of the decrease of IgA1 immunoglobulins in aggressive periodontitis with respect to susceptibility for periodontal diseases has to be elucidated.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

A developmental investigation of social aggression among children.

Social aggression consists of actions directed at damaging another's self-esteem, social status, or both, and includes behaviors such as facial expressions of disdain, cruel gossipping, and the manipulation of friendship patterns. In Study 1, 4th, 7th, and 10th graders completed the Social Behavior Questionnaire; only boys viewed physical aggression as more hurtful than social aggression, and girls rated social aggression as more hurtful than did boys. In the 1st phase of Study 2, girls participated in a laboratory task in which elements of social-aggression were elicited and reliably coded. In the 2nd phase of Study 2, another sample of participants (elementary, middle, and high school boys and girls) viewed samples of socially aggressive behaviors from these sessions. Girls rated the aggressor as more angry than boys, and middle school and high school participants viewed the socially aggressive behaviors as indicating more dislike than elementary school children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Relational aggression, gender, and peer acceptance: invariance across culture, stability over time, and concordance among informants.

It has been proposed that overt physical and verbal aggression are more prevalent among boys and that covert aggression in the context of interpersonal relationships is more typical of girls. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend American research on this topic to Italy. Italian elementary school pupils (n = 314) and their teachers provided nominations for aggression and prosocial behavior on 2 occasions within a single school year. Both peer and teacher nominations were highly stable, though there was very poor concordance between them. Peer nominations for both overt and relational aggression were linked to peer rejection. Contrary to expectations, boys scored higher than girls in both overt and relational aggression. Nevertheless, on the basis of the gender composition of extreme groups, the authors conclude that the distinction between overt and relational aggression is as useful in facilitating research on aggressiveness among girls in Italy as it is in the United States.

Aggression↗
PubMed1997

Engagement in gender normative versus nonnormative forms of aggression: links to social-psychological adjustment.

Although many important advances have been made in our understanding of childhood aggression in recent years, a significant limitation of prior studies has been the lack of attention to the possible moderating role of gender in the links between aggression and social-psychological adjustment. To address this issue, the author evaluated the adjustment status associated with engagement in gender normative versus gender nonnormative forms of aggression for both boys and girls. Indexes of social-psychological adjustment assessed included teacher and self-reports of internalizing and externalizing difficulties (N = 1.166 children 9-12 years old). Results showed that children who engaged in gender nonnormative forms of aggression (i.e., overtly aggressive girls and relationally aggressive boys) were significantly more maladjusted than children who engaged in gender normative forms of aggression and children who were nonaggressive.

Aggression↗
PubMed1997

The biphasic effects of alcohol on human physical aggression.

The authors assessed the biphasic effects of alcohol on human physical aggression. Sixty male social drinkers were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: alcohol ascending limb (AAL), alcohol descending limb (ADL), or 1 of 2 sober control groups. Aggression was assessed in the AAL and ADL groups at respective ascending or descending blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.08%. Each participant in the control groups was respectively yoked with a participant in either the AAL or the ADL group to control for the longer period of time needed to reach a BAC of 0.08% on the descending limb compared with the ascending limb (i.e., passage of time effect). The authors measured aggression using a modified version of the Taylor aggression paradigm (S. Taylor, 1967), in which electric shocks are received from and administered to a fictitious opponent during a competitive task. The AAL group was more aggressive than the ADL groups. There were no differences between the ADL group and the control groups, which suggests that alcohol does not appear to increase aggression on the descending limb. The control groups did not differ in aggression, thus ruling out a passage of time effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Relational aggression and social-psychological adjustment in a college sample.

Although the understanding of aggression has been significantly advanced through the study of relational aggression, past research has been limited by its predominant focus on children. This study examines the associations between relational aggression and social-psychological adjustment in a sample of young adults. A peer-nomination instrument was constructed to assess relational aggression, and self-reports of adjustment were obtained from 225 college students (45% male; mean age = 19.5). Regression analyses showed that relational aggression provided unique information, after controlling for age and gender, about peer rejection, prosocial behavior, antisocial personality features, and borderline personality features. Interactions with gender further showed that, for women, relational aggression was linked with bulimic symptoms. The importance of relational aggression for understanding adjustment problems during young adulthood are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1989

Prevalence and stability of physical aggression between spouses: a longitudinal analysis.

Community couples (N = 272) were assessed in a longitudinal study of early marriage. More women than men reported physically aggressing against their partners at premarriage (44% vs. 31%) and 18 months (36% vs. 27%). At 30 months, men and women did not report significantly different rates of aggression (32% vs. 25%). However, using either the self-report or the partner's report, the prevalence of aggression was higher for women than men at each assessment period. Modal forms of physical aggression for both men and women were pushing, shoving, and slapping. Conditional probability analyses indicated that the likelihood of physically aggressing at 30 months given that one had engaged in such aggression before marriage and at 18 months after marriage was .72 for women and .59 for men. Furthermore, 25-30% of the recipients of physical aggression at all three assessment periods were seriously maritally discordant at 30 months.

Adult↗