Mental health
The role of personality in aggressive behaviour among individuals with intellectual disabilities
L. S. Chaïb,
A. G. Crocker,
Corresponding Author
L. S. Chaïb
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Correspondence: Mr Laurent Stephane Chaïb, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4H 1R3 (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorA. G. Crocker
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorL. S. Chaïb,
A. G. Crocker,
Corresponding Author
L. S. Chaïb
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Correspondence: Mr Laurent Stephane Chaïb, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4H 1R3 (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorA. G. Crocker
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
Aggressive behaviour is associated with certain personality traits in both the general population and among individuals with mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to the relationship between aggressive behaviour and personality among individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to circumscribe personality profiles associated with aggressive behaviour among individuals with ID.
Method
In this cross-sectional study of 296 adults with mild or moderate ID, information on mental health, personality and aggressive behaviour was gathered through structured interviews with the ID participants and their case manager, and a review of client files.
Results
The results of the Reiss Profile were submitted to hierarchical cluster analysis method. Subsequently, the distribution of aggressive behaviour, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical characteristics across personality profiles was analysed. The analyses yielded seven distinct personality profiles in relation to patterns of aggressive behaviour: Pacifists, Socials, Confidents, Altruists, Conformists, Emotionals and Asocials.
Conclusion
The identification of distinct personality profiles sheds light on the risk factors for aggressive behaviour, and suggests new approaches to improving diagnostic and intervention strategies.
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