Predictors of aggressive behavior

A multiple factor approach was used to test additive and multiplicative models as well as to isolate a best predictive model of physical aggression. The variables of aggressive learning history, provocation, sex of target, sex of subject, sex-role orientation, and aggressive tendencies were selected. Eighty-three males and 117 females participated in the experimental session. Multiple regression analyses indicated that multiple predictor models were able to account for significantly more variance than were single predictor models; however, multiplicative models were unable to increase predictive efficacy. A model composed of sex of target, masculinity, and aggressive tendencies was established as the best predictive model for unprovoked aggression; provocation, masculinity, and aggressive tendencies made up the best predictive model of provoked aggression. VioLit summary: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study by Hammock and Richardson was to apply a multifactor approach to the study of aggression, in order to produce a more comprehensive understanding of the behavior by isolating a model that could offer the best prediction. The researchers based their work in Bandura's social learning theory of aggression. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional design was employed, with a one-group pretest-posttest format. A non-probability sample of 420 subjects from a large southeastern university participated in the pretest session, with 200 returning for the experimental part of the study (83 males, 117 females). The origin of aggressive behavior was measured by aggressive learning history, sex of the respondent, sex-role orientation and aggressive tendencies. Aggressive learning history was measured with the 14-item Steinmetz Family Problem-Solving Questionnaire concerning family conflict responses ranging from calm to physical violence. Reports were gathered about interactions between parents and from each parent and each sibling to the respondent. Sexual orientation was measured with the 24-item Personal Attributes Questionnaire, with scales for masculinity, femininity, and masculinity-femininity. Aggressive tendencies were measured with the aggressiveness component of the Buss-Durkee Inventory. Other factors included provocation and sex of target, used as measures of instigators of aggression. All of these measures, as well as background questions, were administered to subjects in the first session of the study. For the second session, participants were separated into pairs for an experiment with levels of electric shock and time trials. For each pair, both of the subjects could choose the level of shock to be applied to the other if they were slower on the time trial. Two measures of aggression were the dependent variables - unprovoked and provoked aggression. Unprovoked aggression was operationalized as a combination of the shock setting on the initial trial and the residual of the total score without the effect of provocation. Provoked aggression was measured as an average of the shock settings on the second through thirteenth trials. Analyses included ANOVA and principle components analysis, as well as Pearson product-moment and point-biserial correlations and multiple regression. FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: In an initial analysis, the researchers found no significant differences on the predictor variables between those who attended only the first session, those who returned for the experimental part of the study, and those who were suspicious of the real nature and purpose of the study. Males both delivered and received higher levels of shock than did females, with unprovoked aggression being significantly positively related to masculinity and aggressive tendencies, but negatively related to femininity. A stepwise multiple regression found that unprovoked aggression was best predicted by sex of target, masculinity and aggressive tendencies (R Square=0.17). Provoked aggression was best predicted by provocation, masculinity and aggressive tendencies (R Square=0.56). Significant correlations were found between all of the independent variables and at least one measure of aggression. The authors concluded that aggressive tendencies and masculinity had strong and consistent relationships with aggressive behavior. AUTHORS' RECOMMENDATIONS: The authors recommended the use of a multifactor approach to the study of aggression, rather than a design investigating single variables. EVALUATION: As this study was conducted in the artificiality of a laboratory setting, the generalizability of the results is not very good. Whilst the multifactor approach is certainly useful, more independent variables could have been included, and could have offered alternative explanations for findings. Despite these limitations, the methods of statistical analysis are appropriate, providing a solid base for further research. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado) KW - College Student Research KW - Adult Aggression KW - Aggression Causes KW - Aggression Predictors KW - Social Learning Theory KW - Adult Female KW - Adult Male KW - Male Aggression KW - Female Aggression KW - Gender Differences VioLit summary: