The Overt Aggression Scale for the objective rating of verbal and physical aggression

Am J Psychiatry. 1986 Jan;143(1):35-9. doi: 10.1176/ajp.143.1.35.

Abstract

The authors describe the design and reliability of a rating scale that measures aggressive behaviors in adults and children. On the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), aggression is divided into four categories: verbal aggression, physical aggression against objects, physical aggression against self, and physical aggression against others. In addition, specific interventions related to each aggressive event can be recorded on the OAS. The clinical and research applications of this scale are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Mutilation / psychology
  • Verbal Behavior*
  • Violence