THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND AGGRESSIVE-BEHAVIOR IN RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

Theorists and clinicians have long believed that personality psychopat hology is a risk factor for aggressive behavior Previous investigation s in this area, however, have provided mixed results. In this study, t he relationship between personality psychopathology and aggressive beh avior was examined in 137 research volunteers. The influences of gende r and coexisting major mental disorders were statistically controlled. Aggressive behavior was associated with criteria for 7 of the 11 pers onality disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of M ental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.). Except for schizoid criteria, all rel ationships with aggressive behavior were in the positive direction. Wh en all personality disorders were considered simultaneously, paranoid and passive-aggressive criteria were significant predictors of aggress ive behavior.