Differences between Men and Women in Subtypes of Aggressive Behavior
Kenneth Elofsson & Anton Fahlgren
Örebro University
Supervisor: Catherine Tuvblad
Criminology III
Fall 2015
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 2
Differences between Men and Women in Subtypes of Aggressive Behavior
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine differences between
men and women in four types of aggressive behavior: anger, physical
aggressive behavior, verbal aggressive behavior, and hostility. The data
were drawn from the Retrospective Study of Young People’s
Experiences which includes 2,500 participants (52.6% women, 47.4%
men) in Sweden between the ages of 20 and 24 years. The results
showed that women had slightly higher mean levels in anger than men,
whereas men had higher mean values in physical and verbal aggressive
behavior. However, there were no significant differences between men
and women in levels of hostility. In conclusion, women showed more
anger, whereas men seemed to show more direct types of aggressive
behavior.
Keywords: Sex difference, anger, physical aggressive behavior, verbal
aggressive behavior, hostility.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 3
Skillnader mellan Män och Kvinnor i underkategorier av Aggressivt Beteende
Sammanfattning
Syftet med den här studien var att undersöka skillnader mellan män och
kvinnor inom fyra underkategorier av aggressivt beteende: ilska,
fysiskt, verbal och fientlighet. Data hämtades från RESUMÉ-studien
(Retrospektiv studie av unga människors erfarenheter) som undersökt 2
500 unga vuxna (53 % kvinnor, 47 % män) från Sverige, mellan
åldrarna 20 till 24 år. Resultaten visade att kvinnor hade något högre
medelvärde i ilska än män, medan män hade högre medelvärden än
kvinnor i fysiskt och verbalt aggressivt beteende. Resultaten visade
även att det inte fanns någon signifikant skillnad mellan män och
kvinnor i fientlighet. Sammanfattningsvis så visade kvinnor mer ilska
och män mer direkt aggressivt beteende.
Nyckelord: Könsskillnader, ilska, fysiskt aggressivt beteende, verbalt
aggressivt beteende, fientlighet.
Kriminologi III, HT2015. Handledare: Catherine Tuvblad.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 4
Men and Women Differ in Subtypes of Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior is broadly defined as the intent to hurt, harm, or injure another individual
(Close & Ostrov, 2009; Ostrov & Crick, 2007; Ostrov et al., 2009). Aggressive behavior is an
important underlying risk factor for criminal behavior (Farrington, 2003), which subsequently
poses high costs on society (DeLisi & Gatling, 2003). According to the Swedish Crime
Prevention Council (Brottsförebyggande rådet, 2014), the majority of violent crime offenders
in Sweden are men. Men not only engage in, but are also victims of aggressive behavior to a
larger extent than women (Eagly & Steffen, 1986). Research has shown that aggressive
behavior has its roots in both environmental, (e.g., learned in interaction with others) and
hereditary factors (Björkqvist, 1994; Popova, 2008). Aggressive behavior can be expressed in
various forms including anger, physically or verbally aggressive behavior, and hostility (Buss
& Perry 1992). Being exposed to violence, physically injured, the target of verbal attacks, or
excluded by peers is likely to have negative long-term consequences for the victim, such as
psychological distress (Rigby, 2003; Salmivalli, Karhunen & Lagerspetz, 1996). Aggressive
behavior in face-to-face situations is considered direct aggressive behavior, whereas indirect
aggressive behavior is carried out in an anonymous manner, hidden from the receiver (Green,
Richardson & Lago, 1996, Parrott & Giancola, 2007). The overall goal with the present study
was to examine potential differences between men and women in aggressive behavior
Research examining sex differences in aggressive behavior is a rather recent topic.
The underlying causes behind differences between men and women in levels of aggressive
behavior are not fully understood (Steffen & Eagly, 1986). In the past, women’s aggressive
behavior has not been highlighted, since researchers simply expected women to score
similarly albeit lower compared to men on aggressive behavior. However, since the 1990s,
research regarding differences between men and women in aggressive behavior has received
more attention (Björkqvist, 2001). Understanding how aggressive behavior is expressed
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 5
differently in men and women will provide better tools for how intervention strategies should
be directed in order to prevent aggressive behavior (McAndrew & Francis, 2014).
The First Subtype – Anger. Anger is defined as physiological arousal and how prone a
person is to respond with aggressive behavior. In certain situations, this leads to aggressive
behavior that represents the emotional component of the behavior (Buss & Perry, 1992).
Anger is an emotion most people experience rather frequently; however, anger does not
always produce aggressive behavior (Averill, 1983; Fives, Kong, Fuller & DiGiuseppe,
2011). Research consistently shows there are no differences between men and women in
levels of anger (Archer, 2004; Buss & Perry, 1992; Ramirez et al., 2001).
According to the state-trait hypothesis, anger is divided into two areas: trait and state
(Spielberger, 1983). Trait refers to how easily a person enters the state and responds angrily in
various situations (Ramirez & Andreu, 2006). The state of anger is an emotional state that
involves dissatisfaction and irritation (Spielberger et al., 1983). Some situations will trigger
the state of anger; for example, if you perceive another person to be annoying. State of anger
inhibits cognitive processes related to aggressive behavior, which increases the risk of
responding in an aggressive manner (Fives et al., 2011). Anger has been shown to be a bridge
that induces both verbal and physical aggressive behavior, as well as hostile behavior when
anger has cooled off (Buss & Perry, 1992). Anger has also been found to be positively
correlated in both men and women with the other three aggressive behavior subtypes (Bailey,
Wahlsten & Hurd, 2004; Buss & Perry, 1992).
The Second Subtype – Physical Aggressive Behavior. Physical aggressive behavior is a
form of direct aggressive behavior with the intention of hurting others physically (Ostrov et
al., 2009). Men undoubtedly show more physical aggressive behavior than women
(Björkqvist, 1994; Buss & Perry, 1992; Eagly & Steffen, 1986). Physical aggressive behavior
had the largest difference between men and women compared to the other three aggressive
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 6
behavior subtypes (Archer, 2004). Physical aggressive behavior in men often starts with some
sort of challenge from another man that threatens to degrade his status (Peterson, & Harmon-
Jones, 2012) Research has shown that women are less prone to use aggressive behavior that
can produce severe physical or mental consequences for the receiver. Women also believe the
consequences are more severe for victims when physical aggressive behavior is being used
(Archer, 2004; Eagly & Steffen, 1986).
The Third Subtype – Verbal Aggressive Behavior. Verbal aggressive behavior is
another form of direct aggressive behavior as it is used in face-to-face situations and not
indirectly through other people (Green et al., 1996). This behavior is defined as a form of
destructive communication and is often used to attack or harm someone’s self-concept using
verbal means or arguments (Buss & Perry, 1992; Infante & Wigley III, 1985). Damaging
someone’s self-concept can be severe; for example, if someone’s self-concept regarding their
physical appearance is damaged, it can have lifelong effects on the victim (Infante & Wigley
III, 1985).
Verbal aggressive behavior is more likely to be used by both men and women in
comparison to physical aggressive behavior (Björkqvist, 1994). However, according to earlier
research men show higher levels of verbal aggressive behavior than women (Archer, 2004;
Buss & Perry, 1992; Ramirez, 2001).
The Fourth Subtype – Hostility. Hostility is a negative attitude toward others with the
aim to hurt someone without their explicit knowledge, such as gossiping or excluding
someone from a social setting. This behavior is often the result of someone being angry at
someone else, since a person can still feel resentment and loathing (Buss & Perry, 1992).
Hostility is considered to be an indirect form aggressive behavior (Green et al., 1996, Ramirez
& Andreu, 2006). This attitude is a mix of different feelings, such as loathing, skepticism or
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 7
cynicism toward someone or something (Smith, 1994). There are little or no differences
between men and women in levels of hostility (Archer, 2004; Green et al., 1996).
Social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) will be used to explain sex differences in
direct aggressive behavior in the present study. Men typically show more direct aggressive
behavior, i.e., physical aggressive behavior and verbal aggressive behavior, than women. This
suggests that individuals learn how to behave by imitating or being reinforced, especially
from individuals of the same sex. Different types of behaviors are influenced by norms and
these norms differs between men and women. Men are reinforced by peers when they show
dominant behavior and women when they show nurturing behavior (Bandura, 1977;
Cardenas, 2011; Perry & Bussey, 1979). Indirect behavior, i.e., hostility, is also reinforced by
peers, since it is a result of socialization where individuals observe each other (Bandura,
1977). Hostile behavior is often shown in a social setting where individuals try to hurt others
by gossiping or excluding someone (Buss & Perry, 1992).
In summary, research has shown that there are no differences between men and
women in levels of anger (Archer, 2004), whereas men tend to show higher levels of both
physical and verbal aggressive behavior. In contrast, men and women have been found to be
just as capable of hostility (Archer, 2004; Green et al., 1996). The overall aim of the present
study was to examine potential differences between men and women in four subtypes of
aggressive behavior, i.e., anger, physical aggressive behavior, verbal aggressive behavior, and
hostility. Based on earlier research, we hypothesized that men will show higher levels of both
physical and verbal aggressive behavior. We also hypothesized there will be no difference in
levels of hostility and anger between men and women.
Method
Participants
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 8
Data in the present study came from the Retrospective Study of Young People’s
Experiences (RESUMÉ). The RESUMÉ study is a Swedish, retrospective, cross-sectional
study that examines the relationship between adverse and stressful experiences in childhood
and adolescence and various outcomes in young adulthood, such as criminal behavior,
aggressive behavior, mental and physical health, and social adjustment (Cater, Andershed et
al. 2014, Tuvblad et al., under revision).
There are 2,500 people who participated in RESUMÉ (N = 1,314, 53% women, N =
1,186, 47% men). Participants were recruited from a pool of 25,670 individuals who had been
drawn from a national population register at Statistics Sweden [Statistiska Centralbyrån]. A
total of 20,827 of these had a listed phone number and could as such be contacted, and out of
these, 9,312 could not be reached. There were 6,285 individuals who declined to participate
after they had been provided with information about the study. Additionally, 479 could not
participate because they were traveling, sick, etc. In total, there were 4,455 individuals who
agreed to participate in the study, and 1,995 who never participated for various reasons. The
participants were between 20 and 24 years old (M = 22.15, SD = 1.38). Individuals born
outside Sweden were not included.
Measures
The four subtypes of aggressive behavior, were assessed using Buss and Perry’s
aggression questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992). Seven items were used to measure anger (e.g.,
“when frustrated, I let my irritation show”, “Some of my friends’ think I’m a hothead”), nine
items were used to measure physical aggressive behavior (e.g., “Once in a while I can’t
control the urge to hit another person”, “I get into fights a little more than the average
person,” “I have become so mad that I have broken things”), five items were used to measure
verbal aggressive behavior (e.g., “I tell my friends openly when I disagree with them,” “I
can’t help getting into arguments when people disagree with me”) and eight items were used
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 9
to measure hostility (e.g., “I am sometimes eaten up with jealousy,” “I am suspicious of
overly friendly strangers”). All items were measured on a 1 to 7 scale ranging from “not at all
like me” to “exactly like me”.
The responses were combined and averaged to get a score for each subtype of
aggressive behavior. Low scores indicated low aggressive behavior and vice versa.
Cronbach’s Alpha (α) in this study was α = 0.70 for physical aggressive behavior, α = 0.79 for
verbal aggressive behavior, α = 0.83 for hostility and α = 0.69 for anger.
Procedure
The data was collected between March and December of 2011. Trained interviewers
administered the study protocol, including informed consent, a face-to-face interview,
questionnaires and collection of DNA saliva samples. Participants completed the
questionnaires on an iPad. The sessions took on average 1.5 hours, and the participants
received a small compensation for their participation. RESUMÉ was evaluated and approved
by an ethics board (#2010/463) (Cater, Andershed et al. 2014). In the present study, only data
from the questionnaire was used.
Statistical analyses
To analyze the data several independent samples t-tests were carried out using the
statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Independent samples t-
test are used to test for mean differences (Field, 2014) between men and women. Levene’s
tests were also used to examine variance differences. A bivariate Pearson’s correlation
analysis was conducted in order to examine if the subtypes of aggressive behavior were
correlated.
Results
Several independent sample t-tests were used to examine mean differences between
men and women in subtypes of aggressive behavior. Levene’s tests were significant for anger,
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 10
physical aggressive behavior, and verbal aggressive behavior. This indicates there are
significant variance differences between men and women. Estimates correcting for variance
differences between men and women are presented in Table 1.
Significant mean differences were found for anger (t(2496,978) = - 3.391, p <.05) with
women (M = 2.61, SD = 0.98) scoring higher than men (M = 2.48, SD = 0.87), indicating
anger is more common among women than among men, see Table 1. Significant mean
differences were also found between men and women in physical aggressive
behavior: t(2134,164) = 15,457, p < .05, with men (M = 2.24, SD = 0.88) scoring higher than
women (M = 1.76, SD = 0.64). This suggests men have a higher propensity to act out in a
physical aggressive manner than women, see Table 1. Significant mean difference were found
between men and women t(2450,346) = 10.218, p < .05 on verbal aggressive behavior with men
(M = 3.62, SD = 1.26) scoring higher than women (M = 3.11, SD = 1.22). This tell us men are
more likely to use verbal aggressive behavior than women, see Table 1. Finally, there were no
significant mean difference between men and women in levels of hostility, see Table 1.
Table1.
Mean value comparisons between men and women in subtypes of aggression.
Men Women
n M SD n M SD df t
Anger 1186 2.48 .87 1314 2.61 .98 2496.978 - 3.391***
PA 1186 2.24 .88 1314 1.76 .64 2134.164 15.457***
VA 1186 3.62 1.26 1314 3.11 1.22 2450.346 10.218***
Hostility 1186 2.01 .95 1314 1.99 1.00 2490.179 .501
n = number of participants, M = mean value, SD = Standard deviation, df = degrees of
freedom, t = t-statistics, PA = Physical Aggressive behavior, VA = Verbal Aggressive
behavior, *** = p < 0.001.
A Pearson Correlation analysis was also carried out to examine if the subtypes were
correlated with each other. There were a positive correlations within sex across all four
subtypes of aggressive behavior, see Table 2.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 11
Table 2
Pearson correlations between anger, physical aggressive behavior, verbal aggressive
behavior and hostility. Men (n = 1186) above the diagonal and women (n = 1314) below.
Anger PA VA Hostility
Anger ______ .560** .419** .435**
PA .556** ______ .391** .362**
VA .498** .408** ______ .285**
Hostility .503** .392** .278** ______
** p < .01
Discussion
Aggressive behavior has often been considered to be a behavior primarily related to
men. Nonetheless, recent studies have provided findings concerning aggressive behavior in
women, which shows that aggressive behavior is also an issue in women (Björkqvist, 2001).
The present study examined sex differences in anger, physical aggressive behavior, verbal
aggressive behavior and hostility. We found that women had higher levels of anger, whereas
men had higher levels of both physical and verbal aggressive behavior. Men and women did
not significantly differ in levels of hostile behavior. All subtypes were correlated in both men
and women.
Surprisingly, we found that women reported higher scores on anger than men. This
finding is not in line with earlier research (Archer, 2004; Buss & Perry, 1992; Ramirez et al.,
2001). For both men and women, anger has been shown to be correlated with the other three
subtypes of aggressive behavior (Bailey et al, 2004). This suggests that if a person is scoring
higher on anger, he or she should also be expected to be scoring higher on the other three
subtypes. However, this was not the case in our study, as women scored higher on anger but
reported lower levels than men on physical and verbal aggressive behavior. When individuals
enter the state of anger, this might inhibit their cognitive processes related to suppressing
direct aggressive behavior which increases the risk of responding aggressively (Fives et al.,
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 12
2011). This may indicate women have a lower threshold on trait anger and can be interpreted
that they enter the state of anger more easily than men, but they do not seem to express
aggression directly. Another explanation is related to levels of testosterone in men. Research
has shown testosterone is related to anger and that it is an underlying component in
establishing and protecting dominance and social status (Peterson & Harmon-Jones, 2012).
Since testosterone levels in men increase when their status is challenged along with anger
possibly being less inhibited in men (Archer, 2006), these two factors together can play an
important role in explaining why men show more direct aggressive behavior, even if women
show higher levels of anger.
Consistent with earlier research we found physical aggressive behavior is more likely
to be expressed by men compared to women (Archer, 2004; Björkqvist, 1994; Eagly &
Steffen, 1986). Historically men have been committing more violent crimes in Sweden than
women, which is in line with today’s crime statistics (BRÅ, 2014; Eisner, 2003). Men observe
and learn from other men, as a result of this they imitate and then behave in the same way.
This behavior is then reinforced with positive peer reaction when behaving in a physically
aggressive manner, which is more socially accepted for men than women (Bandura, 1977;
Perry & Bussey, 1979). This could explain why men commit more violent crimes.
Testosterone levels have been implicated as an underlying component in establishing a
position of dominance and social status. Similar to anger, testosterone levels could partly
explain why men use more physical aggressive behavior in order to gain social status (Archer,
2006; Peterson & Harmon-Jones, 2012).
Our finding that men reported higher levels of verbal aggressive behavior than women
is in line with earlier findings (Archer 2004; Ramirez et al 2001). Accordingly, men are more
verbally aggressive compared to women. Verbal aggressive behavior includes being
argumentative and openly disagreeing which can have a favorable effect on women’s
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 13
credibility (Infante, 1985), therefore verbal aggressive behavior can in certain situations be
seen as a desirable behavior. This might explain why this behavior is to some extent rewarded
in women by their social settings and peers (Bandura, 1977; Perry & Bussey, 1979).
However, men behave more verbally aggressive than women, this difference may be
influenced by the fact that society is not equal, as men tend to have more power and status in
most social settings (Simon, Athanassakis, Powrie & Montoya, 2012). So in order to gain the
position of dominance and social status in the first place, men may be more reinforced by
peers when using verbal aggressive behavior than women (Bandura, 1977).
Similar to earlier research on hostility (Archer, 2004), we found no difference between
men and women in levels of hostile behavior. However, according to earlier research, the size
of an individual’s social network has been shown to affect hostile behavior in men. This
difference can be due to peer reinforcement when men have a larger social network. Earlier
research has shown larger social networks do not influence women’s hostile behavior (Green
et al., 1996). This behavior could be dependent on the social setting and peer reinforcement
(Bandura, 1977) for men; however, this is not the case for women. Hostile behavior is perhaps
more easily observed in social networks and groups of friends, since among close friends, it is
common to share the same values and beliefs, such as skepticism. Hostile behavior is by
definition indirect, which means it is often difficult to detect. This could partly explain why
we found non-significant results for hostility, since people probably do not realize they have
been hostile, or that they have been victims of hostile behavior.
The aggressive behavior subtypes were positively correlated in both sexes which is
supported by earlier research (Bailey et al., 2004; Buss & Perry, 1992). This indicates that
individuals that show higher levels of one subtype, will also show higher levels of the other
three subtypes. Anger may be the key subtype since it is considered to be a bridge and a
preparation state for physical and verbal aggressive behavior. When the state of anger has
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 14
cooled off, a person can still feel resentment and loathing toward others, which can make a
person behave in a hostile manner (Buss & Perry, 1992; Fives et al., 2011). This indicates
anger is important in research regarding aggressive behavior.
As with other studies, there are some limitations with our study. To measure the
various subtypes, the Buss and Perry’s self-report Aggression Questionnaire was used. Self-
reports have validity problems as participants are at risk of both exaggerating and under-
reporting their aggressive behavior. Further, respondents may interpret questions differently
(Bryman, 2012). Another limitation is that anger is often seen as a bridge to the other three
subtypes (Buss & Perry, 1992). According to this hypothesis, anger would not be considered a
subtype of aggressive behavior, but rather an emotional state that induces the other three
aggressive behaviors. It is also important to note that levels of aggressive behavior scores can
differ depending on which measurement tool is being used. For example, study designs using
observations or experiments could have produced a different set of findings (Eagly & Steffen,
1986).
Strengths with the present study include the use of a population-based sample. Our
result may as such be generalized to the larger population. To measure aggressive behavior
we used the Buss and Perry’s self-report Aggression Questionnaire which is a common,
reliable and valid tool for assessing aggressive behavior.
For future research, a revamped edition of Buss and Perry’s aggression questionnaire
with questions regarding online behavior should be developed and released, since social
media is a common tool for communication. Furthermore, future research regarding how
norms shape and affect our behavior (Cardenas, 2011) will be able to help us understand the
underlying causes of anger, physical aggressive behavior, verbal aggressive behavior and
hostility since norms and traditions may differ across cultures. This adds insight into why
different cultures have different levels of aggressive behavior. Although there are differences
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 15
between cultures in levels of aggressive behavior, the sex difference remains quite consistent
across various cultures (Ramirez et al., 2001). It is important to understand how different
cultures shape or reward different types of aggressive behavior in order to broaden our
knowledge of aggressive behavior in men and women. Still, future research should examine
how anger results in direct aggressive behavior and how this is influenced by cognitive
processes.
In conclusion, we examined how men and women differ in subtypes of aggressive
behavior. Women reported higher levels of anger, whereas men reported higher levels of
physical and verbal aggressive behavior. Accordingly, men seem to have a tendency to more
easily hurt, harm, or injure another person; however, there were no differences between men
and women on levels of hostility. Why women show lower levels of direct forms of
aggressive behavior but possess more anger is an interesting topic that prompts further
questions regarding the underlying mechanisms to aggressive behavior and sex differences.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR 16
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