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Impulsive and premeditated aggression: a factor analysis of self-reported acts
E S Barratt1, M S Stanford, L Dowdy
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0443, USA. ebarratt@utmb.edu
Psychiatry Research
|July 9, 1999
Summary
This study validates a self-report questionnaire for assessing impulsive and premeditated aggression in college students. Findings confirm these aggression types are distinct constructs with unique characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Aggression research often lacks objective measures.
- Impulsive and premeditated aggression are key areas of study.
- Previous research relied heavily on interviews for measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the construct validity of impulsive versus premeditated aggression.
- To introduce a self-report questionnaire for measuring these aggression types.
- To examine aggression in a non-clinical college student sample.
Main Methods:
- Developed a self-report questionnaire based on interview content.
- Administered the questionnaire to 216 college students.
- Utilized Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with promax rotation for factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified four factors: impulsive aggression, mood, premeditated aggression, and agitation.
- Confirmed impulsive and premeditated aggression as independent constructs.
- Impulsive aggression linked to remorse and confusion; premeditated aggression to social gain and dominance.
Conclusions:
- The self-report questionnaire effectively differentiates impulsive and premeditated aggression.
- These aggression types are distinct and present in the general population.
- Understanding these differences aids in targeted aggression research and intervention.
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