Effects of mode and intentionality of provocation between two groups of 12-year-old boys

This investigation was undertaken in order to assess the ability of 12-year-old boys to discriminate between intentionality and mode of provocation. Intentionality of provocation was described as accidental versus intentional aggression. Mode of provocation was defined as physical versus verbal aggression. Thirty 12-year-old boys served as Ss. The experimental group consisted of 15 boys referred to a mental health clinic. The control group consisted of 15 boys not identified as in need of pychological intervention. All the boys were read 12 stories varying in mode and intentionality of provocation. The S's task was to assess the Justifiableness of retaliatory aggression. The results indicate that all the 12-year-old boys were able to adequately discriminate between the modes of provocation. However, the experimental Ss did have significant difficulty in discriminating between accidental and intentional provocation. The implications for treatment were discussed.Thesis (M.A.