Proactive and reactive aggression in referred children and adolescents.
Investigating different types of aggression is important to facilitate a better understanding of excessive maladaptive aggression in referred youth. Using regression analysis, the authors investigated demographic, historical, diagnostic, and treatment correlates of proactive aggression and reactive aggression in a heterogeneous population (N = 323) of psychiatrically referred youths. Ratings of proactive and reactive aggression significantly correlated with more established measures of aggression. Results suggest the importance of hyperactive/impulsive behavior, disruptive behavior disorders, and self-reported hostility in youths with both reactive and proactive aggression. Substance use disorders, a family history of substance abuse, and family violence were specifically associated with proactive aggression. Younger age and a history of abuse were correlated with reactive aggression. Implications for clinical interventions and future research are discussed.
Connor
Daniel F
DF
Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 10655, USA. daniel.connor@umassmed.edu
Steingard
Ronald J
RJ
Cunningham
Julie A
JA
Anderson
Jennifer J
JJ
Melloni
Richard H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012114:Residential Treatment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires