Citation

Theriault STEPHENW, Holmberg D. Violence Against Women 2001; 7(12): 1464-1489.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/10778010122183946

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Links between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and relationship aggression were explored in 157 college students. ADHD and comorbid disorders, such as conduct disorder (CD), were small but significant predictors of both physical and sexual aggression in relationships. The role of pragmatic language difficulties was also investigated. Verbal impulsivity—a tendency to blurt out thoughts and interrupt others—predicted relationships aggression. Once verbal impulsivity had been accounted for, ADHD and CD symptons were no longer significant predictors, suggesting that verbal impulsivity and an inability to successfully negotiate relationship difficulties might account for the ADHD-relationship aggression link.