Examining Demographic, Psychological, and Behavioral Predictors of Aggression in Moroccan University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18050/psiquemag.v14i2.3342Keywords:
life history of aggression, lha, externalizing problems, Moroccan college studentsAbstract
Objective: This research explores the demographic and behavioral factors that contribute to aggressive behavior among university students in Morocco.. Understanding these determinants can inform targeted intervention and prevention strategies. Method: A total of 1,125 students (650 males, 475 females) aged 18 to 24 from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University participated in an on-site survey in 2020. Participants responded to a demographic survey along with the Arabic adaptation of the Life History of Aggression Scale. Results: Students who reported substance use—particularly tobacco, alcohol, and gambling—showed significantly higher levels of lifetime aggression. Males reported more frequent aggressive behavior compared to females. Additionally, students with a history of parental divorce or those using medication for mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders) were more likely to exhibit elevated aggression scores. Conclusions: Male gender, substance use, mental health vulnerability, and family instability emerged as key predictors of aggression. These findings underscore the need for university-based prevention programs targeting at-risk groups, particularly male students and those facing psychological or familial stressors.
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