NCJ Number
86988
Date Published
1982
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report uses self-report data to compare the relative incidence of aggression and violence among ex-mental patients, ex-offenders, and the general population and to examine the effect of social-demographic variables on the frequency of these behaviors.
Abstract
It measured frequency by reported frequencies of aggressive behaviors during the preceding year, by whether respondents could recall serious disputes, and by the recency of the disputes they recalled. The evidence suggests that ex-offenders engage in violence with greater frequency than the other two groups and that they have a greater tendency to physically attack and injure their antagonists during violent disputes. Ex-mental patients appear to use weapons more frequently than the general population, but they are no more likely to injure antagonists. In contrast to labeling theory, police were no more likely to become involved or to make an arrest in incidents involving ex-patients or ex-offenders. Males appear to be more physically violent than females, but there are no sex differences in verbal aggression. Age appears to be the best predictor of both verbal and physical aggression. Study data and about 20 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)