Aggression is a behavior that can be either reactive or proactive. Reactive aggression is an emotional response to a perceived threat or provocation, while proactive aggression is premeditated and goal–oriented. The Instrument for Reactive and Proactive Aggression (IRPA) is a tool designed to measure both types of aggression in individuals. The IRPA is a self–report questionnaire that measures the frequency and intensity of aggressive behaviors in the past month. It is composed of two subscales: the Reactive Aggression Scale (RAS) and the Proactive Aggression Scale (PAS). The RAS measures reactive aggression, including verbal and physical aggression, while the PAS measures proactive aggression, including physical and verbal aggression, as well as indirect aggression, such as spreading rumors or manipulation. The IRPA has been used to assess aggression in a variety of contexts, including clinical settings, schools, and research studies. It has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of aggression, and is sensitive to changes over time. The IRPA is a useful tool for assessing both reactive and proactive aggression in individuals. It can be used to identify individuals at risk for aggression, as well as to monitor changes in aggression over time. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce aggression. By providing a reliable measure of aggression, the IRPA can help clinicians, teachers, and researchers better understand and address aggression in individuals.
‘I have hurt someone‚ because…’
There are 6 sentences with annoying things that kids can do. In these sentences‚ it states the things that have been done and the reasons of doing them. You can choose whether you have never‚sometimes or regularly done the things in the last four weeks. It is hoped that you will honestly answer the questionnaire since no one will read your answer.
Note: The questions are about ACTUAL bad things. If you claim that you have done a bad things but only as a joke and everyone knows that it was a joke‚ (e.g.: stating the terrible things just for fun)‚ please tick the box ‘NEVER’ indicating that it DOES NOT actually happen.
1. In the last 4 weeks‚ I kicked someone because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) I was kicked
2. In the last 4 weeks‚ I pushed someone because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) I was pushed
3. In the last 4 weeks‚ I hit someone because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) I was hit
4. In the last 4 weeks‚ I called someone names because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) I was called names
5. In the last 4 weeks‚ I fought with someone because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) They were looking for a fight with me
6. In the last 4 weeks‚ I told lies and gossip about someone because…
a) I was angry
b) I was being bullied
c) I wanted to be mean
d) I took pleasure out of it
e) I wanted to be the boss
f) They told lies about me
Never‚ Rarely‚ Sometimes‚ Often‚ Always
This instrument can be found at: https://www.focusonemotions.nl/images/Worry_UK.pdf & https://www.focusonemotions.nl/images/IRPA_English.pdf
Polman‚ H.‚ Orobio de Castro‚ B.‚ Koops‚ W.‚ van Boxtel‚ H. W.‚ & Merk‚ W. W. (2007). A metaanalysis of the distinction between reactive and proactive aggression in children andadolescents. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology‚ 35‚ 522–535.
Polman‚ H.‚ Orobio de Castro‚ B.‚ Thomaes‚ S.‚ & van Aken‚ M. (2009). New directions in measuring reactive and proactive aggression: Validation of a teacher questionnaire.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology‚ 37‚ 183–193.
Rieffe‚ C.‚ Broekhof‚ E.‚ Kouwenberg‚ M.‚ Faber‚ J.‚ Tsutsui‚ M.‚ & Güroğlu‚ B. (2016). Disentangling proactive and reactive aggression in children using self-report. European Journal of Developmental Psychology‚ DOI:10.1080/17405629.2015.1109506