The current study examined the relations between impulsivity-related traits (as assessed by the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale) and aggressive behaviors. Results indicated that UPPS-P Lack of Premeditation and Sensation Seeking were important in predicting general violence. In contrast, UPPS-P Urgency was most useful in predicting intimate partner violence. To further explore relations between intimate partner violence and Urgency, a measure of autonomic response to pleasant and aversive stimuli and facets of Neuroticism from the NEO PI-R were used as control variables. Autonomic responsivity was correlated with intimate partner violence at the zero-order level, and predicted significant variance in intimate partner violence in regression equations. However, UPPS-P Urgency was able to account for unique variance in intimate partner violence above and beyond measures of Neuroticism and arousal. Implications regarding the use of a multifaceted conceptualization of impulsivity in the prediction of different types of violent behavior are discussed.Much research has focused on the origins of aggression, and a host of relevant factors has been identified (Anderson & Bushman, 2002). Although individual violent behavior is undoubtedly a result of a complex series of thoughts, emotions, and contexts, personality characteristics play an important role in predisposing individuals to aggression. Previous research in the traits associated with aggression has focused on several candidate areas, including hypermasculinity (Parrott & Zeichner, 2003), narcissism (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998), entitlement (Campbell, Bonacci, Shelton, Exline, & Bushman, 2004), and self-control (Caspi, 2000;DeWall, Baumeister, Stillman, & Gailliot, 2007; Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). Meta-analytic results indicate robust associations with the broad personality dimensions of Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness from the Five Factor Model (Bettencourt, Talley, Benjamin, & Valentine, 2006;Miller & Lynam, 2001).Given the robust relations to aggressive and delinquent behaviors, early appearance in development, and overlap with domains of general personality, increasing attention is turning to the area of trait impulsivity as a predictor of aggressive behavior (Caspi, 2000;Krueger, Caspi, Mofitt, White, & Stouthamer-Loeber, 1996;Murphy & Eisenberg, 1997). New, multifaceted conceptualizations of impulsivity have recently been introduced, which have proved useful in predicting a variety of risky behaviors (Cyders & Smith, 2010;Whiteside & Lynam, 2001;Zapolski, Cyders, & Smith, 2009). Despite considerable work in this area, little research has attempted to understand how various aspects of impulsivity are Corresponding Author: Karen J. Derefinko, University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 115 Kastle Hall, Lexington, FAX: (859) 323-1979. kjdere2@uky.edu.. NIH Public Access Author ManuscriptAggress Behav. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 May 1. NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript ass...

This study explored the compatibility between the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence with the initial (DSM-5.0) and most recent (DSM-5.1) proposed diagnostic criteria. Data drawn from a structured clinical interview used in the assessment of 6,871 male and 801 female state prison inmates were analyzed according to the existing and proposed diagnostic formulations. The greatest congruence was observed in cases that received no diagnosis according to the DSM-IV-TR because these also received no diagnosis in the DSM-5.1. Most cases with a current dependence diagnosis received a severe designation according to the proposed criteria. However, those with an abuse diagnosis were divided across various DSM-5.1 severity levels. Some diagnostic criteria were nearly universally endorsed among those classified with the highest severity levels, which indicated that some criteria may serve as cardinal indicators of a severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD). Additional diagnostic criteria not yet suggested for inclusion in the DSM (i.e., preoccupation with alcohol use and alcohol use to relieve emotional distress) were also evaluated. Evidence demonstrated these two criteria served as functional indicators of alcohol use disorder (AUD). This assessment approach can be used to establish appropriate treatment objectives based on the severity of diagnosed AUDs. Meeting these treatment objectives, especially in a correctional population, may have important implications for future offending. Recommendations are made for prospective research in this area.

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This study investigated group differences in the recalls of stories by children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comparison peers. Further, the study examined whether stimulant medication improved the story recall of children with ADHD relative to a placebo condition. Children were asked to recall both televised and audio taped stories. Free recall protocols were assessed for what information was recalled as a function of story structure features (i.e. status on or off the causal chain and event importance) and were rated for overall coherence. Relative to comparison peers, children with ADHD showed less influence of story structure features on recall, and produced less coherent recall of the audio taped stories. Medication had only limited effects on the story recall of children with ADHD. Specifically, medication did not increase these children's sensitivity to events central to the stories and had no effect on the coherence of children's recalls. The implications of the results for guiding future academic interventions are discussed.