Martínez-Tenorio FN, Hernández-Daza M, Chávez-Dueñas M

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 35-40
PDF size: 52.32 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background. Aggression is a hostil and destructive conduct which express at the motor level the anger and hostility afection. In spite of its relevance has been few studied at the clinical level.
Objetive. To determine aggression and impulsivity levels, thorough clinimetric instruments application in psychiatric hospitalized patients.
Method. A descriptive, observational and transversal study was undergone in 225 patients at the Military Central Hospital in a six month period, applying the Plutchick´s Impulsivity scale, the Overt Aggression Scale and exploring correlations with some other clinic and demographic variables as well.
Results. Aggression showed a low-level in 67.6%, moderate level in 19.6% and high level in 12.9%. Impulsivity level was low in 37.8% and high in 62.2%. Aggression level was higher in men (χ² = 1.943; 2 gl; p › 0.05), high socioeconomic status (χ² = 10.312; 4 gl; p ‹ 0.05), and in patients with impulsive control disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders (χ² = 57.114; 20 gl; p ‹ 0.05). Impulsivity was elevated in women (χ² = 7.058; 1 gl; p ‹ 0.05), students (χ² = 14.828; 6 gl; p ‹ 0.05), alcohol (χ² = 7.805; 2 gl; p ‹ 0.05) and tobacco use (χ² = 17.046; 2 gl; p ‹ 0.05).
Conclusions. Aggression level is low and impulsivity level is high in the studied sample. Both constructs are complex and show varies correlations with different variables. It is necessary to replicate the present study in other poblational samples in order to replicate and confirm the features.

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