A resurgence of interest in the relationship between cerebral lateralization (the functional asymmetry of the cerebral cortex) and aggression has occurred. Most recent studies have found that individuals with abnormal patterns of lateralization are overrepresented among violent individuals. Intervening variables (such as drug and alcohol abuse)…

Examines the theoretical and methodological issues related to diet and aggressive behavior. Clinical evidence indicates that, for some persons, diet may be associated with, or exacerbate, such conditions as learning disability, poor impulse control, intellectual deficits, a tendency toward violence, hyperactivity, and alcoholism and/or drug abuse,…

Brain imaging research allows direct assessment of structural and functional brain abnormalities, and thereby provides an improved methodology for studying neurobiological factors predisposing to violent and aggressive behavior. This paper reviews 20 brain imaging studies using four different types of neuroimaging techniques that were conducted in…

Attempts to integrate findings on correlates of suicide and violent risk in terms of a theory called a two-stage model of countervailing forces, which assumes that the strength of aggressive impulses is modified by amplifiers and attenuators. The vectorial interaction of amplifiers and attenuators creates an unstable equilibrium making prediction…

Research indicates that the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol has been used effectively in the treatment of aggressive behavior in diverse populations of both children and adults with and without organic diagnoses. The literature is reviewed and some of the current proposed explanations for propranolol's antiaggressive effect are…

Anticonvulsants have gained recognition for their beneficial effect in the treatment of aggressive behavior, particularly carbamazepine. Empirical studies of the effectiveness of anticonvulsants in decreasing aggression are reviewed and evaluated, and cost-benefit factors related to the use of anticonvulsants are evaluated. A protocol for the…

Discusses the goals of Reality Rub Life Space Crisis Intervention, and provides the transcript of an interview with a troubled youth to illustrate the way the intervention techniques works. Goals include correcting interpersonal distortions and misperceptions; identifying defenses; and connecting behavior, feelings, stressful events, and…

This study reviewed the literature on the clinical features of Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism, looking for evidence that a tendency toward violence is common in individuals with the syndrome. Although many studies were excluded on the basis of inadequate data, findings of remaining studies did not support the speculation that violence is…

Examined extent to which rape callous attitudes are related to first-year students' sexual attitudes and experiences, view of gender roles, and level of social consciousness and liberality. Questionnaire data from students (n=557) revealed a strong, multiple correlation between rape callous or rape supportive attitudes and predictor variables…

Identified how 20 preschool children attempted to exert dominance over peers. Found that verbal assertiveness was the most frequently employed, though least successful, dominance strategy. Physical assertiveness was successful when a child exhibited athletic superiority. The use of theme plays was the most successful strategy in eliciting a…

Literature is reviewed and a case report is presented concerning blockers of the beta-adrenergic function of the sympathetic nervous system, postulated to have efficacy in treatment of aggressive or self-injurious syndromes in persons with mental retardation. Concerns are raised regarding endorsement of beta-blocking medications before they have…

Describes chemical model for patterns of aggressive behavior. Addresses cultural, neurobiological, and cognitive factors that affect violent children. Identifies five patterns of aggression (overaroused, impulsive, affective, predatory, and instrumental) and examines these dimensions of aggression for each pattern: baseline, precipitators,…

Presents Life Space Interview, intervention strategy for use during crisis work with troubled students. Describes use of Massaging Numb Values Life Space Interview, developed to help students in crisis who act out but later become overwhelmed by guilt and remorseful about their destructive behavior. Applies technique to case of 14-year-old girl in…

Many psychologists assert that boys are in dire straits in U.S. society, but in fact, there is no evidence of an emotional or behavioral epidemic for either sex. If there is any truth to the claim that boys are in trouble, it results from practices that foster aggression. It is a mistake to regard either gender as "fragile." (SLD)

Investigates the impact of Anger Management Training on reducing aggressive behavior in court-referred adolescent males (N=20) in a residential treatment facility. Participants were involved in 12 anger management training sessions. Results show that anger management may be an effective treatment strategy for reducing aggressiveness among…