Comparative Analysis of Aggression Levels among Vulnerable Adolescents
Substance Users versus Non-Users
Abstract
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This study investigates the relationship between substance use and aggression among vulnerable adolescents aged 12–18 years. Participants were assessed using the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Short Form), and were categorised as drug users or non-users. The findings revealed that adolescents who used substances demonstrated significantly higher levels of aggression across all dimensions, i.e. physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility, compared to non-users. Among substance users, polydrug users showed the highest levels of aggression, particularly in physical aggression and hostility, followed by marijuana and alcohol users. Tobacco users also exhibited moderate but notably higher aggression than their non-using peers. Furthermore, adolescents who were out of school reported higher aggression levels than those attending school. The study highlights a strong association between substance use and increased aggression in adolescents, emphasising the importance of early identification, as well as the implementation of school-based interventions, mental health support, and behavioural therapy programs to reduce associated risks.
Keywords:
Aggression Levels, Physical Aggression, Substance Users, Verbal Aggression, Vulnerable AdolescentsReferences
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