Characterizing aggressive behavior in a forensic population

Tim R. Kockler, Matthew S. Stanford, Chad E. Nelson, J. Reid Meloy, Keith Sanford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of a dichotomous versus a continuous aggression model continues to be debated within the research literature. The Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS; M. S. Stanford, R. J. Houston, C. W. Mathias, et al., 2003) is a newly developed self-report instrument designed to classify an individual's aggressive behavior as predominantly premeditated or predominantly impulsive. The IPAS consists of 30-items that are scored on a 5-point Likert scale. This study used a nonrandom sample of convenience (N = 85) from a forensic state hospital. Principal-components analysis of the 30 items revealed 2 distinct factors (Impulsive and Premeditated Aggression), which accounted for 33% of the variance. The results of this study further validate the bimodal classification of aggression through its application to a forensic sample. The implications for general assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)80-85
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry
Volume76
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Forensic
  • IPAS
  • Impulsive
  • Premeditated

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychology (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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