Comparison of Attention Bias toward Threats among Boys Indicating the Signs of Depression and Aggression Disorders

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to compare attention bias toward threats among boys showing signs of depression and aggression disorders. The research tools were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) questionnaire and the Relational and the Overt Aggression Questionnaire. First, using a multi-stage random sampling method, we offered the CBCL questionnaire and Relational and Overt Aggression Questionnaire to 350 parents who had an 11 or12-year-old son. The questionnaires were collected at primary schools in Tabriz area. 40 participants were selected from this population who suffered from depression and aggression (20 students for each disorder). Then we used a computer test named: DOT-PROB in order to check out attention bias among these students. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, using Univariate Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings showed that attention bias toward threats among boys suffering from depression was significantly different from those who have signs of aggression. The average of attention bias toward threats among boys suffering from aggression was higher than in boys who have signs of depression.

Keywords

• internalizing disorders
• externalizing disorders
• attention bias
• depression
• aggression