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Related Experiment Video

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The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

Published on: July 4, 2013

The function of aggression in personality disordered patients.

Michael Daffern¹, Kevin Howells

¹Peaks Academic and Research Unit, Rampton Hospital Nottingham University, Monash University Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health. Michael.daffern@forensicare.vic.gov.au

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

|May 1, 2008

Summary

This study assessed the functions of aggression in personality disorder patients. Most aggression served to express anger, informing function-based psychological interventions for adaptive behavior.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Psychiatry
Behavioral Science

Background:

Psychological interventions for personality disorders often aim to improve adaptive expression of needs underlying problematic behaviors like aggression.
Assessing the function of these behaviors is crucial for developing effective, function-based treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe and evaluate a method for assessing the functions of aggressive behavior in patients with personality disorders.
To identify the primary functions of aggression within this patient population.

Main Methods:

Two studies were conducted: a retrospective file review of inpatient aggressive behaviors and index offenses, and an analysis of inpatient incidents involving interviews with staff and patients.
The methodology focused on eliciting the functions served by aggressive incidents.

Main Results:

The primary function identified for aggression in personality disordered patients was the expression of anger.
Other functions of aggression were also observed, indicating a complex behavioral profile.
The observed functions differed from those typically seen in studies of predominantly psychotic patients.

Conclusions:

Understanding the specific functions of aggression is essential for tailoring psychological interventions in personality disorders.
Function-based approaches can guide the development of strategies to promote more adaptive behavioral expressions.
Findings highlight the need for individualized treatment plans based on the assessed functions of problematic behaviors.