Predicting factors associated with aggression behavior among university students: a cross sectional study

Currently, there has been an alarming rise in aggression among university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of aggression among Palestinian university students and its association with depression and anxiety. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. A self-reported questionnaire, including the Brief Aggression Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaires, was used to gather data, and 1,338 students were recruited. The findings showed a high prevalence of aggressive behavior (75.1%). The multivariate linear analysis revealed that men and students from northern Palestine were less aggressive than other participants. Aggression, particularly brief aggression, physical aggression, and anger, was strongly linked with the study year. Psychological distress was shown to be negatively related to aggression, particularly angry aggression, with the lowest connection with verbal aggression (p-value < 0.001). There was no association identified between aggression, depression, or anxiety. University students in Palestine tend to exhibit high levels of aggression, which may be attributed to their female gender, location in the middle and south, year of study, and poor self-control. However, high levels of stress mitigate aggression. To lessen aggression, undergraduates need to receive psychological therapy and stress management training.