Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate aggressive behavior.

Analysis

Aggressive behavior has both genetic and environmental components. Numerous association studies have been conducted to identify genetic factors underlying aggressive behaviors in humans. In this review, we summarize previous work in this field, considering both candidate gene association studies (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), excluding those conducted on samples where the primary diagnosis is a psychiatric or neurological disorder unrelated to an aggression-related phenotype. We then examined the enrichment of GWAS data in pathways and functions.
Our research findings show that most CGAS have identified associations with genes involved in neurodopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and hormonal regulation. On the other hand, GWAS have not yet identified significant associations at the gene level, but top findings involve various signaling pathways, such as axon guidance or estrogen receptor signaling, as well as processes related to neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity.
Future studies should use larger samples, homogeneous phenotypes, and standardized measurements to identify genes underlying aggressive behaviors in humans. These data measure self-reported recent aggressive and other high-risk behaviors. Respondents are asked to report the last time they engaged in the following behaviors.

Question Calibration

Males aged 12–16 years.
■ In the past month
■ Between 1 and 6 months ago
■ Between 6 months and 1 year ago
■ More than a year ago
■ Never
The data can be considered individually or as a single index of behavior related to violence within a specific time frame. To create an index for violent or violence-related behavior in recent years, one point is given for each item marked in one of the first three response categories, thus creating a possible range from 1 to 12.

References

Straus MA; Hamby SL; Boney McCoy S; Sugerman DB; Flewelling RL; Paschall MJ; Ringwalt CL (1979, 1993). Pg. 143, 160–161
Flewelling RL, Paschall MJ, Ringwalt CL. SAGE Baseline Survey. Research Triangle Park, NC: Research Triangle Institute, 1993.