Anger, Hostility, and Depression in Assaultive vs. Suicide-Attempting Males

Hostility & depression were examined in male psychiatric patients who exhibited either assaultive or suicide-attempting behavior. Both groups were compared to a sample of nonviolent males to provide a basis for interpreting the magnitude of these variables in relation to their violent behavior. Both suicide-attempting & assaultive patients were characterized by high levels of hostility & depression, as evidenced by significantly higher scores than those of the nonviolent group on almost all indices. Suicide-attempting subjects tended to experience anger & hostility in a more intropunitive & covert manner, & displayed higher levels of guilt & depression. (50 refs)