An Analysis and Assessment of Nine Recent Studies on the Alcohol-Aggression Relation that Generally Leads to Violence

Abstract

Perpetrators under the influence of alcohol commit a significant amount of violent crimes. This led to the belief that alcohol induces aggression. However, studies show that not all, but only some individuals become aggressive after alcohol consumption. These individuals are usually those with high dispositional aggressivity, hostility, impulsiveness, or other similar personality traits. Yet, others claim that aggressive behavior more likely results from the pharmacological effects of alcohol on the brain. Still, some even suggest that the expectancy of aggressive behavior after alcohol consumption causes a person to behave accordingly. The alcohol-aggression relation has been studied for many years, yet there does not seem to be a clear and definite understanding of the true cause of aggression in some individuals who consume alcohol. However, with new discoveries and approach methods, recent studies will give more insight on and a better understanding of the alcohol-aggression relation. Hopefully then a course of action can be developed to more effectively decrease frequency of violent acts associated with alcohol-induced aggression. An examination of nine recent studies shows that the alcohol-aggression relation is mediated by many psychological, behavioral, and biological factors. The individual's personality, life history, family relations and environment also interplay into how alcohol may nudge an individual towards a more aggressive tendency after alcohol consumption. Although many variables affect and regulate the alcohol-induced aggression, each should be studied independently and more carefully so that measures can be taken to lessen their roles in the alcohol-aggression relation.