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Gender Differences in Reactive and Proactive Aggression

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Abstract

The purpose of our investigation was to study gender differences in proactive and reactive aggression in a sample of 323 clinically referred children and adolescents (68 females and 255 males). Proactive aggression and reactive aggression were assessed using the Proactive/Reactive Aggression Scale. Demographic, historical, family, diagnostic, and treatment variables were entered into stepwise regression analyses to determine correlates of proactive and reactive aggression in males and females. Results reveal high rates of aggression in both males and females in the sample. Self reported drug use, expressed hostility, and experiences of maladaptive parenting were correlated with proactive aggression for both genders. Hyperactive/impulsive behaviors were correlated with male reactive aggression. An early age of traumatic stress and a low verbal IQ were correlated with female proactive aggression. Gender differences in correlates of proactive and reactive aggression may provide possible targets for research, prevention, and treatment efforts focused on reducing maladaptive aggression in clinically referred youth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry-7th Floor, Room S7-802, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655

    Daniel F. Connor

  2. University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA

    Ronald J. Steingard

  3. Devereux School, USA

    Jennifer J. Anderson

  4. Northeastern University, USA

    Richard H. Melloni Jr.

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  1. Daniel F. Connor
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  2. Ronald J. Steingard
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  3. Jennifer J. Anderson
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  4. Richard H. Melloni Jr.
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Connor, D.F., Steingard, R.J., Anderson, J.J. et al. Gender Differences in Reactive and Proactive Aggression. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 33, 279–294 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023084112561

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