The authors evaluated the presence of assaultive behavior in 103
children, aged 6-12 years, seen in the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient
services of a municipal hospital. No racial or ethnic differences were
found. Boys were significantly more assaultive than girls and used fire
setting and hitting with objects more often. Inpatients were significantly
more assaultive than outpatients. Children with conduct disorders, specific
developmental disorders, and mental retardation were more assaultive than
those with neurotic disorders. Multiple regression analysis showed that the
child's past aggressive behavior, absence of anxiety and depression, and
parental assaultive behavior were the best predictors of assaultive
behavior.
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