Influence of verbal ability on the expression of aggression in physically abused children

The relationship between verbal ability and aggressive behavior in 53 physically abused children in a residential treatment center was examined. Characteristics differentiating aggressive children from their less aggressive peers were identified. Although general verbal ability was similar in aggressive and nonaggressive abused children, reading and expressive language deficits were more prevalent in the highly aggressive children. Highly aggressive children were significantly more deficient in reading ability and more often required speech-language services. Implications of these findings for treatment and future research are discussed.