ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines several subtypes of aggression and explains the concept of impulsivity in the context of aggression and forensic risk assessment. Aggression can be defined as hostile, injurious or destructive behaviour. The self-control theory of crime or the general theory of crime relates aggression to impulsivity and thereby focuses on reactive, impulsive aggression. In 1920 Freud described the dual instinct theory in his book named Beyond the Pleasure Principle. In 1989 Berkowitz reformulated the frustration-aggression hypotheses to the cognitive neoassociation theory (CNT), a new aggression theory based on the relation between frustration and aggression. However, interventions based on cognitive behavioural approaches and aimed to alter cognitions like Aggression Replacement Training and Stress Inoculation Treatment are promising in reducing reactive as well as proactive aggressive behaviour. However, more research on predictors and possible moderators of treatment response in decreasing aggression is needed.
