Aggressive behavior in male offenders: preliminary analyses of self-regulatory functions in a sample of criminals

Psychol Rep. 2007 Jun;100(3 Pt 2):1171-85. doi: 10.2466/pr0.100.4.1171-1185.

Abstract

The functional role of self-regulation in aggressive and violent behavior continues to be an important problem in the forensic field. Theoretically, self-regulatory functions should influence other dimensions known to be related to aggressive behavior, but as of yet there is no empirical test of this assumption. Emotional self-regulation, conflict behavior, behavioral resources, and personality disorders were examined in a sample of 70 offenders with respect to the role that self-regulatory variables play in aggressive behavior. Although substantial correlations between self-regulator functions and aggressive behavior were found, these variables did not predict aggression in a subsequent regression analysis. Implications of the findings are discussed and put into relation with treatment issues of aggressive offenders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Crime / psychology*
  • Crime / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis
  • Personality Disorders / epidemiology
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Control, Informal*