A Factor Analytic Approach to Distinguish Pure and Co-Occurring Dimensions of Proactive and Reactive Aggression

Abstract

This study used a confirmatory factor model to distinguish pure and co-occurring dimensions of proactive and reactive aggression, and examined the relation between parenting variables and these dimensions of aggression in a sample of 100 children (9 to 12 years of age; 69 boys). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported 3 dimensions of proactive and reactive aggression: pure proactive, pure reactive, and their co-occurrence. Parenting variables differentially related to the pure and co-occurring dimensions of aggression. Findings indicate that CFA provides a promising approach for conceptualizing aggression on a continuum and allows researchers to distinguish pure and co-occurring dimensions of proactive and reactive aggression.