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ABSTRACT
This paper describes the extent of anger and aggression in a sample of secondary school students in the southern Philippines. A total of 650 students in both public and private schools completed a self-report survey of levels of anger and aggression, and homeroom teachers rated them on aggression. Results indicated that their overall levels of aggression and anger were average. Students in private schools had higher overall aggression and anger compared to students in public schools. Teachers rated males as having a higher level of aggression compared to females. Self-reported anger and aggression were significantly higher among older students, but teachers rated them as being less aggressive. The implications of these findings for intervention and future research are discussed.
Highly publicized school shootings and other violence, particularly in the United States, have increased public concern regarding student aggression. This has stimulated research on the origins, prevalence, and consequences of antisocial behavior among school-age youths (Dishion & Patterson, 1999; Loeber & Farrington, 2000; Patterson et al., 1998).
Research has determined that anger is an important correlate of student aggression, and that there is a clear link between high levels of anger and problem behavior in school, poor academic performance, peer rejection, and psychosomatic complaints (Smith & Furlong, 1998). Moreover, uncontrolled anger is cited as one of the factors linked to serious school violence (Dwyer, 1998).
Puyat (1999) took a social representation approach to the study of aggression among Filipino college students (fraternity and sorority members). According to Puyat, males appear to have more concrete images of aggression compared to females, who think about aggression in more abstract terms. Puyat also noted that groups constantly exposed to specific instances of violence have more concrete images of aggression.
A survey of Filipino youth in 1996 found high incidences of youth involvement in criminality, illegal drug use, and illicit sex (Sandoval et al., 1996). Furthermore, the involvement of Filipino youth in major public demonstrations and civil actions might be a sign that they are becoming more aggressive. Gang riots often involve students ranging from 14-21 years of age. Further, juvenile delinquency is increasing alarmingly. While it has been established that anger, which results in aggression contributes to juvenile delinquency, the extent and nature of anger experienced in...