A REVISED TEACHER RATING-SCALE FOR REACTIVE AND PROACTIVE AGGRESSION

A teacher rating scale of reactive aggression, proactive aggression, a nd covert antisocial behavior was evaluated in a normative sample of t hird- to fifth-grade predominantly white lower middle class boys (N = 186). Factor analysis revealed independent and internally consistent R eactive Aggression (six reactive items), and Proactive Aggression (fiv e proactive items five covert items) factors. Although the factors wer e intercorrelated (r = .67), and each factor was significantly correla ted with negative peer social status (r = .26 for each, controlling fo r grade), the independence of the factors was supported by the unique relation of Reactive Aggression with in-school detentions (r = .31), c ontrolling for Proactive Aggression and grade. These results supported the reliability and validity of Reactive and Proactive Aggression as rated by teachers, which should facilitate further research of these c onstructs.