Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaires

Download our free Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire template and example. Use it to assess your client's level of aggression and hostility.

By Ericka Pingol on May 15, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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What is the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?

Aggression is a complex facet of human behavior, often categorized as a response to a perceived threat or challenge. It can manifest in various forms, such as physical violence, verbal hostility, or passive-aggressive behavior. Understanding and managing aggression is crucial in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and criminology.

The (BPAQ) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the extent of aggressive tendencies and hostile behaviors in individuals. It helps clinicians and researchers understand how individuals express and manage their aggressive impulses.

The BPAQ consists of 29 items that explore various domains associated with aggression, such as physical, verbal, anger, and hostility. Individuals rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale, typically ranging from 1 (extremely uncharacteristic of me) to 5 (extremely characteristic of me). The questionnaire addresses both reactive and proactive aggression, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of aggressive tendencies.

By assessing various elements of aggression, the BPAQ provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's aggressive tendencies. It is worth noting that the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire should not be used as a diagnostic tool. Instead, it is a valuable resource for assessing and managing aggression in individuals.

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Printable Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire

Download this Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire to assess aggression and hostility.

How does it work?

Carepatron's free Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire template allows you to evaluate your client's level of aggression. Follow these steps to get started:

Step one: Download the questionnaire

Get a copy of the printable Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire using the link on this page. You can also download it from the Carepatron app or our extensive resources library.

Step Two: Discuss with your client

Explain the questionnaire to your client and clarify how to respond to the items. Answer any questions they may have before going to the next step.

Step Three: Client completes the questionnaire

Make sure to give your client plenty of time to finish the questionnaire. Remind them that there are no right or wrong answers. Encourage them to be honest and respond in their own way.

Step Four: Score the questionnaire

After your client has responded to all the questions, evaluate the questionnaire. Analyze their answers for each item and tally the score based on their responses.

Step Five: Interpret the results

Use the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire scoring guide to interpret your client's results. Review any areas of concern and discuss them with your client.

Step Six: Follow-up

Follow up with your client on any areas of concern. Make sure to provide support and advice for managing their aggressive tendencies.

Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire Scoring and Interpretation

The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) consists of 29 items, with individuals rating each item on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (extremely uncharacteristic of me) to 5 (extremely characteristic of me). To calculate the total score, add the responses for all 29 items. The total score will range from 29 to 145.

The BPAQ also includes four subscales, each comprising a specific set of items related to different aspects of aggression. These subscales are:

  • Physical Aggression Subscale (Items 1-9): Higher scores indicate a greater tendency towards physically aggressive behaviors, such as hitting, pushing, or physically harming others.
  • Verbal Aggression Subscale (Items 10-14): Higher scores suggest an inclination towards aggressive language, including insults, threats, or verbally abusive behavior.
  • Anger Subscale (Items 15-21): Higher scores signify an intensity and frequency of feelings of anger and irritability.
  • Hostility Subscale (Items 22-29): Higher scores reflect overall negative attitudes and hostility towards others.

A higher total score or sub-scale score indicates greater aggression. Generally, scores from 65-95 indicate moderate to high levels of aggressive behavior, while scores above 95 may indicate severe aggression. However, it is important to note that these scoring ranges are general guidelines, and individual scores should always be interpreted in the context of the individual's background and other factors.

Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire Example (sample)

We have prepared a completed Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire PDF sample to help you understand how to use this template. You can use it for educational purposes or as a reference in your practice. Download it here or view the PDF version.

Download the free Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire Example (sample):

Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire Example (sample)

When would you use this Template?

You can use our free printable Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire template to assess your client's aggressive tendencies and hostility level. Additionally, you can use this questionnaire to:

Evaluate the intensity and nature of your client's aggressive behaviors

By administering the BPAQ, you can help your client gain valuable insight into the type and intensity of their aggressive tendencies. With this understanding, you can work together to develop strategies that effectively manage aggression.

Identify potential triggers and stressors

The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire template can help you identify specific situations or stimuli that trigger aggressive responses in your client. By addressing these triggers, you can assist your client in developing coping mechanisms to reduce aggressive reactions.

Determine the client's coping style for managing anger

This template lets you understand your client's coping style when dealing with anger and hostility. This insight can then help you tailor interventions to help them manage anger more constructively.

Track progress over time

The BPAQ is a powerful tool that helps you closely monitor your client's aggressive tendencies and hostility during treatment. By diligently tracking these changes, you can monitor the effectiveness of your interventions and can make the necessary adjustments to ensure progress and success.

Why use Carepatron as your Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire app?

At Carepatron, we are committed to streamlining your practice management so you can focus on what matters most - providing exceptional mental healthcare. Our Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire app is user-friendly, intuitive, and tailored to your needs. Say goodbye to administrative burdens and embrace a seamless practice management experience.

With Carepatron, you can easily schedule appointments, process payments, and track your client's progress in a smooth and enjoyable manner. Join our community of mental health professionals who have already discovered the benefits of Carepatron's Buss-Perry Questionnaire software. We're excited to have you on board. 

Sign up now and witness the positive impact Carepatron can bring to your practice!

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References

Buss, A. H., & Perry, M. (1992). The Aggression Questionnaire. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(3), 452-459. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.63.3.452

Who uses the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?
Who uses the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?

Commonly asked questions

Who uses the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?

Mental health professionals use the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire to assess and understand their clients' aggressive tendencies and hostile behaviors.

How long does it take to complete the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?

Individuals can complete the BPAQ within 10 to 15 minutes.

When do you use the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire?

You can use the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire during your client's treatment to assess their aggressive tendencies and monitor changes in their behavior. It is effective as both a baseline measure and an ongoing assessment tool throughout therapy.

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