Open AccessIntimate Partner and General Aggression Perpetration Among Combat Veterans Presenting to a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinic
Author(s) -
Taft Casey T.,
Weatherill Robin P.,
Woodward Halley E.,
Pinto Lavinia A.,
Watkins Laura E.,
Miller Mark W.,
Dekel Rachel
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
american journal of orthopsychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.959
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1939-0025
pISSN - 0002-9432
DOI - 10.1037/a0016657
Subject(s) - aggression , clinical psychology , psychology , psychological intervention , arousal , poison control , injury prevention , population , psychiatry , suicide prevention , intervention (counseling) , human factors and ergonomics , medicine , medical emergency , social psychology , environmental health
This study examined rates and correlates of intimate partner and general aggression perpetration among 236 male combat veterans seeking services in a Veteran's Affairs posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinic. Approximately 33% of those in an intimate relationship reported perpetrating partner physical aggression in the previous year, and 91% reported partner psychological aggression. Comparable rates were found for general aggression perpetration among partnered and nonpartnered veterans. PTSD symptoms as well as symptoms of depression were associated with aggression across subgroups and forms of aggression, and PTSD symptoms reflecting arousal and lack of control were generally the strongest predictor of aggression. Findings indicate a need for additional aggression screening and intervention development for this population, and highlight the targeting of heightened arousal and lack of behavioral control in aggression interventions.