Aggression types and beliefs : a comparison of aggressive and non-aggressive male psychiatric in-patients

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study investigated aggression types and beliefs about aggression among malepsychiatric in-patients, using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) and the ExpaggQuestionnaire (Expagg). Two groups were compared: an aggressive group (.0= 40)and a non-aggressive group (n = 44). As expected, the aggressive group displayedsignificantly higher levels of self-reported aggression, as reflected by their totalscores on the AQ and its four subscales (anger, hostility, physical and verbalaggression). The non-aggressive group scored significantly higher on the Expaggthan the aggressive group. This indicates a tendency towards expressive beliefsabout aggression where aggression is being viewed as an expression of negativefeelings and thus as a temporarily loss of control. The relatively lower Expaggscores for the aggressive group shows a tendency towards instrumental beliefsabout aggression where aggression is seen as a means to reach a desired goaland thus as an effort to temporarily gain control over the situation. The total scoreson the Expagg correlated negatively with self-reported aggression. The implicationsfor prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University