found support for the four-factor BPAQ structure in a sample of undergraduates ( N5321). Bryant and Smith
(2001) also found support for the four factor structure using a modified 12-item short form of the BPAQ. Fossati
et al. (2003) carried out confirmatory factor analyses in Italian samples ( Ns5392 and 563), finding strong support
for the four factor structure. Diamond et al. (2005) in confirmatory factor analyses ( Ns5383 and 403) found sup-
port for the Bryant and Smith four factor model ( χ2
(48)5110.9, χ2/df52.3, GFI 5.96, RMSEA 5.06, CFI 5.95,
NNFI5.94) Abd-El-Fattah (2007) using a sample of 510 Egyptian high school students provided support for the
four factors. In a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis, Abd-El-Fattah reported that the BPAQ comprised ‘four
first level factors that were linked by a higher order factor of general aggression’ (p. 237). CFA results for this
four-factor best-fitting model ( N5510) were: χ2
(371)5385.6 (n.s.), RMSEA 50.01, SRMR 50.02, AGFI 50.99,
PGFI50.29, TLI 50.99, PRATIO 50.85, and PNFI 50.83. The four factor structure of the BPAQ has also received
support in several other factor analytic studies including: Harris (1995) ;Meesters, Muris, Bosma, Schouten, and
Beuving (1996) ;Williams, Boyd, Cascardi, and Poythress (1996) ;Nakano (2001) [Japanese version]; von Collani
and Werner (2005) [German version]; Diamond et al. (2005) ;Vigil-Colet, Lorenzo-Seva, Codorniu-Raga, and
Morales (2005) ; and Tsorbatzoudis (2006) [Greek version]; and Demirtas-Madran (2013) [Turkish version].
Criterion/Predictive
Predictive validity evidence has been summarized by the Pittsburgh Mind Body Center (PMBC): http://pmbcii.
psy.cmu.edu/core_c/Buss_Perry_Aggression_Questionnaire.html (Retrieved January, 16, 2014). For example,
Smith and Gallo (1999) reported that (among men), the BPAQ Hostility subscale predicted increased blood pres-
sure response to interpersonal threat. PMBC also reported that, following provocation, BPAQ scores exhibit a
lowered threshold for anger, and a reduced threshold for aggression (subsequent to tryptophan depletion;
Dougherty, Bjork, Marsh, & Moeller, 1999 ) or alcohol consumption ( Giancola, 2002 ). BPAQ scores are predictive
of inflammatory processes ( Suarez, Lewis, & Kuhn, 2002 ) and C-reactive protein ( Suarez, 2004 ). Also, BPAQ
scores are predictive of the severity of coronary disease for men under 60 years ( Gidron, Davidson, & Ilia, 2001 ).
Location
Buss, A.H., & Perry, M. (1992). The Aggression Questionnaire. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology ,
63, 452–459.
Results and Comments
Some 35 years after constructing the BDHI, Buss ( Buss & Perry, 1992 ) constructed a new instrument (BPAQ).
Several exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic studies using large samples in a variety of different coun-
tries have confirmed that a general anger/hostility/aggression factor can be broken down into four major sub-
factors corresponding to the BPAQ subscales labeled: Physical aggression, Verbal aggression, Anger, and
Hostility, respectively. The first two factors measure the behavioral and cognitive components while the remain-
ing two factors (anger and hostility) measure the affective component. As Fossati et al. (2003) concluded, there is
a ‘need to measure not only overall aggression but also its components’ (p. 64). There is considerable evidence
showing that the BPAQ is predictive of real-life health outcomes.
BPAQ SAMPLE ITEMS
Please rate each of the following items in terms of how characteristic they are of you. Use the following scale for
answering these items.
12 3 4 5
Extremely uncharacteristic of me Extremely characteristic of me
Scale Sample item statement
Physical aggression Given enough provocation, I may hit another person.
Verbal aggression I can’t help getting into arguments when people disagree with me.
Anger Sometimes I fly off the handle for no good reason.
Hostility I am suspicious of overly friendly strangers.
Note: Reverse scored items (items 7, 4).80 4. ANGER/HOSTILITY MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS