From childhood instrumental aggression to adult Antisocial Personality Disorder: A phenomenological inquiry
by Friend, Julia A., Psy.D., THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 2006, 104 pages; 3287153

Abstract:

Individuals who are instrumentally aggressive have a unique perception and perspective of the world. They frequently engage in violent, threatening, and manipulative behaviors as a means of obtaining an ultimate goal, without consideration for the damage, injury, or harm that may occur. Similarly, adults with Antisocial Personality Disorder also tend to aggress without concern for injury toward others. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the possibility of a link between childhood instrumental aggression and the development of antisocial personality characteristics. This was done by assessing the phenomenological experience of those familiar with the cognitions, behaviors, and environments of instrumentally aggressive children. Specifically, qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 teachers and therapists who work with instrumentally aggressive children. This data was collected, coded, and analyzed to reveal major themes. Results of data analysis suggest that family relationships, setting, skill limitations, and social structure have significant influence on young children's developing personalities by shaping attitudes, thoughts, and interaction styles. Data analysis also revealed a high frequency of instrumental aggression and antisocial characteristics readily observable in several young children. When present, these traits appear to dominate social interaction, self-perception, and the behaviors of these children. Interviewees believe that this leads to personal isolation, social deficiency, and a tendency toward criminal action as the child matures.

 
Advisor
SchoolTHE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
SourceDAI/B 68-10, p. , May 2008
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsDevelopmental psychology; Clinical psychology; Personality psychology
Publication Number3287153
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3287153
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.