Characterizing aggression and its association to anger and hostility among male veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The basis for the associations among anger, hostility, aggressive behavior, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unclear. We suggest classifying aggressive behavior may elucidate the associations among these factors. On the basis of diagnostic and neurobiological similarities between impulsive aggression (IA) and PTSD, we proposed that IA was the predominant form of aggression in PTSD and that anger and hostility would not significantly predict PTSD when IA was also included as a predictor.


METHODS
We used cross-sectional self-report data obtained from two samples of male veterans (N = 136).


RESULTS
Over 70% of veterans with PTSD reported IA compared to 29% of those without PTSD. IA, not anger, hostility, or premeditated aggression significantly predicted a diagnosis of PTSD.


CONCLUSIONS
Associations between anger and PTSD may be unique to individuals with IA, and considering impulsive and premeditated aggressors separately may account for the heterogeneity found within samples of aggressive veterans with PTSD.
Teten
Andra L
AL
Mental Health Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Miller
Lisa A
LA
Stanford
Matthew S
MS
Petersen
Nancy J
NJ
Bailey
Sara D
SD
Collins
Robert L
RL
Dunn
Nancy Jo
NJ
Kent
Thomas A
TA
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D000786:Anger; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*