The Assessment of Aggressiveness among Emerging Adults in Colombo District: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: The American Psychological Association defines aggression as a behavior aimed at harming others physically or psychologically. Emerging adults known as individuals aged 18 to 29 are in a stage of life that involves many life transitions and usually, they struggle with numerous physical, emotional, and social stressors that can lead to aggression. Objective: To assess the aggressiveness among emerging adults in Colombo district Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently enrolled 353 emerging adults in Colombo district. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire after doing face validity and pre-test to validate the questionnaire. Apart from the demographic factors, aggressiveness (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility) was measured using a self-administered Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire (PBAQ). The level of aggression was classed as severe (≥95), moderate (65-95), and low (≤65) based on the PBAQ score (ranged 29-45). Due to the descriptive nature of the data, descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: Most of the participants were (60%, n=215) female with the mean±SD age of 21±3 years. The mean PBAQ score (SD) was 107.44±27.52 and 67% (n=238) reported severe aggression, 21% moderate, and 12% low level of aggression. The mean±SD scores for anger, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and hostility subdomains were 25.85±6.64, 25.85±6.64, 19.1±5.6 and 30.81±8, respectively. Of the participants, 62% (n=219) exhibited anger, 61% (n=216) physical aggression, 59% (n=211) verbal aggression, and 62% (n=220) hostility. Conclusion: The majority of emerging adults exhibited severe aggression. Since continuous aggressive behaviours are directly affecting deteriorating individuals' physical and mental health evidence-based strategies to manage aggression are instrumental in supporting the well being of emerging adults.