Factors Associated With Physical Aggression Among US Army Soldiers

Michael Shayne Gallaway; David S. Fink; Amy M. Millikan; Michael R. Bell

doi:10.1002/ab.21436

journal article Jul 02, 2012

Factors Associated With Physical Aggression Among US Army Soldiers

Michael Shayne Gallaway David S. Fink

Amy M. Millikan Michael R. Bell

Aggressive Behavior Vol. 38 No. 5 pp. 357-367 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ab.21436

Abstract

There are a growing number of studies that have approximated levels of aggression and associated outcomes among combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan using brief screening assessments. However, further research to evaluate the relative role of combat exposures and overt physical behaviors is required to further elucidate potential associations between military service, combat deployment, and overt physical aggression. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of self‐reported physical aggression in a sample of US Army soldiers using an adaptation of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), and examine factors associated with higher levels of aggression. A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted at a single US Army Installation within a sample of active duty US Army soldiers (n = 6,128) from two large units. Anonymous surveys were collected 6 months following deployment to measure overt aggressive behaviors, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and misuse of alcohol. There were a relatively higher number of minor and severe physical overt aggressive actions reported among soldiers who previously deployed, notably highest among deployed soldiers reporting the highest levels of combat intensity. Soldiers screening positive for the misuse of alcohol were also significantly more likely to report relatively higher levels of physical aggression. This study quantified overt aggressive behaviors and associated factors, showing increasing combat exposures may result in increased physical aggression. Clinicians treating service members returning from combat may consider assessing relative levels of combat. Aggr. Behav. 38:357‐367, 2012. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†

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Details

Published: Jul 02, 2012
Vol/Issue: 38(5)
Pages: 357-367
License: View

Authors

M

Michael Shayne Gallaway

Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program (BSHOP), US Army Institute of Public Health, US Army Public Health Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Maryland

D

David S. Fink

Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program (BSHOP), US Army Institute of Public Health, US Army Public Health Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Maryland

A

Amy M. Millikan

Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program (BSHOP), US Army Institute of Public Health, US Army Public Health Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Maryland

M

Michael R. Bell

Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Bethesda Maryland

Cite This Article

Michael Shayne Gallaway, David S. Fink, Amy M. Millikan, et al. (2012). Factors Associated With Physical Aggression Among US Army Soldiers. Aggressive Behavior, 38(5), 357-367. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.21436

Factors Associated With Physical Aggression Among US Army Soldiers

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