Explaining individual differences in physical aggression among a community sample

Erica Begelhole
Nicole Guse
Bruce Watt, Bond University

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Interim status: Citation only.

Begelhole, E., Guse, N. & Watt, B.D. (2008). Explaining individual differences in physical aggression among a community sample. Paper presented at the seventh Australian Conference on Personality & Individual Differences, 2008 (ACPID-08), Robina, Queensland.

© Copyright Bruce Watt, Erica Begelhole and Nicole Guse, 2008

Abstract

Violence poses an ongoing concern for society. Numerous risk factors have been implicated as contributors to individual differences in levels of physical aggression. The current study examined variations in physical aggression using a community sample in South East Queensland (N = 151). Selfreport measures of alcohol misuse, retrospective conduct disorder, emotional control, violent fantasies and attitudes to violence were examined in the prediction of involvement in physical aggression. Over half of the variance was accounted for by the combination of the independent variables. Attitudes to violence emerged as the greatest contributor in explaining individual differences in physical aggression. The findings highlight the importance of addressing attitudes at the individual and societal level that convey pro-violence sentiments.