Psychological and gender specific correlates of aggressive behaviour in military personnel

Abstract

Participation in conflicts can have a significant impact on the manifestation of aggression among military personnel, especially those who have had intensive combat experience in war zones. The key aspects of gender psychology and the influence of military factors on aggressive behaviour are considered. The term “gender-based aggression” in military personnel is proposed, which reflects the concept that describes the difference in the manifestations of aggressive behaviour depending on the gender characteristics of a person. It is used to analyse and understand how gender and psychological factors influence the perception and expression of aggression among men and women, particularly in the context of military settings. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyse the psychological and gender factors associated with aggressive behaviour of military personnel. The study was conducted with 89 combatants, including 47 men (first group) and 42 women (second group). To achieve this goal, the Aggression Level Questionnaire by A. Bass and A. Darkey. The mathematical and statistical processing of the results was carried out using Student's t-test for independent samples and Fisher’s angular transformation criterion (φ). It has been empirically found that men have a higher tendency to indirect aggression and a high level of mistrust, while women show less physical and verbal aggression. The aggression index scores of both groups of servicemen are within acceptable norms, which indicates that the overall level of aggression among them is satisfactory. However, the hostility index score was higher than the normative values in both groups, indicating an increased tendency to hostile behaviour and conflict among servicemen. The results emphasise the importance of an individual approach to psychological support for servicemen and women, taking into account their gender identity. The findings of the study can serve as a basis for developing effective strategies for managing stress and conflict in the military environment and are an incentive for further research in the field of gender psychology.

Keywords

• aggressive behaviour
• aggression
• combat stress
• military personnel
• gender-based aggression
• women
• combat zone
• combatants
• men.