Agonistic Behavior Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The behavior of nine lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) living in three social groups at Zoo Atlanta was compared in an indoor holding area versus an outdoor exhibit. Focal animal data were collected for each animal during 15 min... more

The behavior of nine lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) living in three social groups at Zoo Atlanta was compared in an indoor holding area versus an outdoor exhibit. Focal animal data were collected for each animal during 15 min observation sessions, alternating between indoors and outdoors. A variety of solitary and social behaviors differed in the two conditions. All individual and social behaviors that showed a difference, except eating, occurred more indoors than outdoors. These included aggressive displays, reclining, self manipulation, and social examination of others. Additionally, the gorillas spent more time closer together in the indoor condition. A variety of other behaviors measured did not change between the two environments. There was a clear effect on behavior of the different housing conditions in which the gorillas were kept. It is suggested that the differences in aggressive behavior may be related to environmental complexity. It is further suggested that zoos should be aware that differences in behavior reported by caretaking staff, researchers and visitors may be a reflection of the differing environmental circumstances in which the animals are observed. 0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

A recent survey was conducted to assess the significance of disruptive behaviors and their effect on communication and collaboration and impact on patient care. VHA West Coast administered a 22-question survey instrument--Nurse-Physician:... more

A recent survey was conducted to assess the significance of disruptive behaviors and their effect on communication and collaboration and impact on patient care. VHA West Coast administered a 22-question survey instrument--Nurse-Physician: Impact of Disruptive Behavior on Patient Care--to a convenience sample. Of the 388 member hospitals (in four VHA regions) invited, 102 hospitals participated in the survey (26% response rate). Results from surveys received from January 2004 though March 2007 are represented. Of the 4,530 participants, 2,846 listed their titles as nurses, 944 as physicians, 40 as administrative executives, and 700 as "other." A total of 77% of the respondents reported that they had witnessed disruptive behavior in physicians--88% of the nurses and 51% of the physicians. Sixty-five percent of the respondents reported witnessing disruptive behavior in nurses at their hospitals--73% of the nurses and 48% of the physicians. Sixty-seven percent of the responden...

Species of coral-reef fish that exhibit dominance hierarchies provide opportunities for experimental studies of intraspecific competition within discrete social groups. The fairy basslet Gramma loreto (Grammatidae) lives in dominance... more

Species of coral-reef fish that exhibit dominance hierarchies provide opportunities for experimental studies of intraspecific competition within discrete social groups. The fairy basslet Gramma loreto (Grammatidae) lives in dominance hierarchies that occupy the undersides of open reef ledges in the Caribbean region. Each hierarchy is maintained by aggression between size classes such that larger fish occupy prime plankton-feeding positions closer to the outer edge of the ledge. We conducted a removal experiment in the central Bahamas to determine the role of larger fish in maintaining the hierarchy and the resultant consequences to smaller fish. When larger fish were removed, smaller individuals quickly occupied these prime feeding positions and were the recipients of less aggression compared to controls. As a result, the average feeding rates of smaller fish were more than 60% higher in aggregations in which larger fish had been removed. Differences in feeding rates were the result of 2 types of competitive effects: between-position and within-position. The between-position effect was the result of differential feeding rates associated with different feeding positions within an aggregation. The within-position effect was due to interactions w i t h a given feeding position. Although both effects strongly influenced basslet feedng rate, the magnitude of the within-position effect was roughly 3 times that of the between-position effect. Together, these 2 components of competition may affect demographic rates and ultimately contribute to local population regulation.

Disruptive behavior can have a significant impact on care delivery, which can adversely affect patient safety and quality outcomes of care. Disruptive behavior occurs across all disciplines but is of particular concern when it involves... more

Disruptive behavior can have a significant impact on care delivery, which can adversely affect patient safety and quality outcomes of care. Disruptive behavior occurs across all disciplines but is of particular concern when it involves physicians and nurses who have primary responsibility for patient care. There is a higher frequency of disruptive behavior in neurologists compared to most other nonsurgical specialties. Disruptive behavior causes stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger, which can impede communication and collaboration, which can result in avoidable medical errors, adverse events, and other compromises in quality care. Health care organizations need to be aware of the significance of disruptive behaviors and develop appropriate policies, standards, and procedures to effectively deal with this serious issue and reinforce appropriate standards of behavior. Having a better understanding of what contributes to, incites, or provokes disruptive behaviors will help organizations provide appropriate educational and training programs that can lessen the likelihood of occurrence and improve the overall effectiveness of communication among the health care team.

Great tits, Parus major, display their white cheek patches to one another during intraspecific encounters. We measured the size of these patches and the regularity of their borders (immaculateness) as part of an investigation into their... more

Great tits, Parus major, display their white cheek patches to one another during intraspecific encounters. We measured the size of these patches and the regularity of their borders (immaculateness) as part of an investigation into their function as signals. Patch size was not significantly related to any of our measures of fitness, but male great tits with more immaculate cheek patches had significantly greater access to a safer feeding site in winter and produced heavier chicks in small woods. Females with more immaculate patches bred significantly earlier in 2 of the 3 years of the study in both large and small woods. We decreased the immaculateness of both sexes with dye and found that competition with other tits significantly increased their exposure to danger when feeding. Factors resulting in reduced immaculateness included ectoparasites, fighting with conspecifics, faster feather wear in young birds and the timing of the autumn moult. Selection for immaculateness by conspecifics may be one mechanism responsible for the evolution of regular head and body patterns in several species of birds and in other animals.

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the extent to which somatosensory stimulation is necessary for the elaboration of juvenile play in rats. Anesthetization of the dorsal body surface ofjuvenile rats with xylocaine reduced... more

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the extent to which somatosensory stimulation is necessary for the elaboration of juvenile play in rats. Anesthetization of the dorsal body surface ofjuvenile rats with xylocaine reduced the frequency of pinning, an indicator variable for play, by 35% to 70%, while motivation to play, as measured by dorsal contacts, an index of play solicitation, remained largely intact. These data suggest that dorsal body surface anesthetization impairs the ability of juvenile rats to perceive and/or respond to playful gestures. When untreated animals were paired with xylocaine-treated animals, the xylocaine-treated animals consistently pinned the untreated pups more than vice versa, further suggesting that somatosensation may be involved in the establishment and/or maintenance of play dominance relations. A preliminary examination assessing potential involvement of other modalities in the play of rats was also conducted, with the data suggesting a possible role for audition in the play of this species.

Thirty-eight male Betta splendens were screened to identify individuals exhibiting either high or low levels of reactivity to a mirror. Fish which displayed at the mirror for short durations were matched for combat with either (a) other... more

Thirty-eight male Betta splendens were screened to identify individuals exhibiting either high or low levels of reactivity to a mirror. Fish which displayed at the mirror for short durations were matched for combat with either (a) other short-and long-duration displayers did not differ in combat vigor. Correlations between combat behaviors and precombat mirror display measures tended to be positive, but were mostly small and nonsignificant. Correlations with postcombat mirror displays were greater. Results imply that mirror-elicited threat behaviors provide a partial predictor of actual combat aggression in Betta.

Game theory models predict that fighting ability should be more important in contest outcome when the payoffs of winning are high for both contestants, and ownership should be more important when payoffs are low. Male Magellanic penguins... more

Game theory models predict that fighting ability should be more important in contest outcome when the payoffs of winning are high for both contestants, and ownership should be more important when payoffs are low. Male Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) provide an opportunity to test these predictions in a natural setting because payoffs of winning are higher for penguins fighting before egg laying and lower for penguins fighting after egg laying, allowing the prediction of differences in who should win and lose. We watched an area of approximately 2000 Magellanic penguin nests from 1992 to 1996 at Punta Tombo breeding colony, Argentina; we quantified fighting behavior, banded contestants, measured their body size (here used as an index of fighting ability), determined ownership status when possible, and monitored their reproductive success. We determined that male Magellanic penguins fought for nests and mates. As theory predicts, before egg laying, body size difference was more important than ownership as a predictor of contest outcome and fight duration. After egg laying, owners won fights, and size did not predict who won or how long they fought. Our comparisons of nest ownership, nest quality, and chicks fledged by winners and losers suggested that our predictions on the change in benefits of winning before and after egg laying were correct. We conclude that game theory models are useful in predicting who won or lost fights in male Magellanic penguins and that ultimate benefits of winning fights are related to fitness.

This study presents the first description of social behavior and structure in native populations of the coypu (Myocastor coypus). Data from behavioral observations and trapping were used to describe group composition and behavior at 3... more

This study presents the first description of social behavior and structure in native populations of the coypu (Myocastor coypus). Data from behavioral observations and trapping were used to describe group composition and behavior at 3 study areas in east-central Argentina in 1999-2000. Seven groups were described (11 coypus/group Ϯ 1.5 SE). Groups were characterized by several adult and subadult females, 1 dominant male, several adult and subadult males, and a variable number of juveniles. Subgroups (mainly composed of juveniles and small adult males) were also identified within some groups. Group fidelity was relatively high. Amicable interactions and cooperative behaviors such as nursing in groups, allogrooming, and alarm calls occurred within groups. Agonistic interactions and marking behavior were rare but suggested that the largest male was socially dominant. This study confirms gregarious habits and a polygynous mating system for the species and provides the first report of the existence of some cooperative behaviors.

Comparative field observations of agonistic interactions in juvenile leaf-mimicking Platax orbicularis and Chaetodipterus faber (Ephippidae) were conducted in coastal waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Similar agonistic behaviour... more

Comparative field observations of agonistic interactions in juvenile leaf-mimicking Platax orbicularis and Chaetodipterus faber (Ephippidae) were conducted in coastal waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Similar agonistic behaviour was observed in the two species, in which individuals stopped displaying their mimetic colouration during encounters with conspecifics, to display conspicuous colours, such as transverse stripes along the body. These events were observed occasionally, almost invariably in individuals of smaller body size. Larger-bodied individuals of both species spent less time in agonistic displays. The absolute size of the fish, however, did not appear to affect the outcome of the encounter, suggesting that dominance is a temporary condition, based on the relative size of the opponents during encounters.

People with specific animal phobias react with increased autonomic activity when exposed to fear-relevant stimuli. The present study examined whether individuals having a less circumscribed fear (public speaking fear) also react with... more

People with specific animal phobias react with increased autonomic activity when exposed to fear-relevant stimuli. The present study examined whether individuals having a less circumscribed fear (public speaking fear) also react with increased autonomic responses when exposed to fear-relevant i.e. social stimuli. A High-fear and a Low-fear group, as indicated by the PRCS questionnaire, were exposed to pictures of faces (social stimuli) and mushrooms (neutral stimuli) while heart rate (HR) and skin conductance responses (SCRs) were measured. It was found that: (1) Social stimuli evoked larger SCRs as compared to neutral stimuli only in the High-fear group;

This study examines variability in patterns of peer group antipathy. Same-grade adolescent peer groups were identified from sociometric nominations of preferred affiliates in a community sample of 600 Finnish ninth-grade middle school... more

This study examines variability in patterns of peer group antipathy. Same-grade adolescent peer groups were identified from sociometric nominations of preferred affiliates in a community sample of 600 Finnish ninth-grade middle school students (mean age = 15.0years). Hierarchical linear modeling determined characteristics of youths in actor groups (nominators) that predicted antipathy for youths in target groups (nominatees) on the basis of target group characteristics. Most antipathies were based on dissimilarity between groups representing the mainstream culture and groups opposed to it. The higher a peer group's school burnout, the more its members disliked students in peer groups with higher school grades and students in peer groups with higher sports participation. Conversely, the higher a peer group's school grades, the more its members disliked students in peer groups with higher school burnout. Students in peer groups with less problem behavior disliked students in peer groups with more problem behavior. There was some evidence of rivalry within the mainstream culture: The higher a group's school grades, the more its members disliked groups whose members participated in sports.

Infanticide is a reproductive strategy found in many mammals, especially rodents. The proportion of male and female house mice (Mus domesticus) that are either infanticidal or noninfanticidal is strain specific and varies widely from... more

Infanticide is a reproductive strategy found in many mammals, especially rodents. The proportion of male and female house mice (Mus domesticus) that are either infanticidal or noninfanticidal is strain specific and varies widely from stock to stock. Male house mice also show strain-specific variation in the behavioral mechanisms that inhibit infanticidal individuals from killing their own offspring. The adult offspring generated from reciprocally crossed CF-1 and Wild stock house mice were tested for their behavior toward newborn pups. In male CF-1 x Wild hybrids, the proportion of infanticidal and noninfanticidal males matched with their maternal phenotype, whereas fema!e CF-1 x Wild hybrids exhibited a proportion of behaviors typical of the CF-1 phenotype, regardless of their mother's genotype. Our results suggest three conclusions: first, tJaat infanticide is a highly labile and heritable behavior in both sexes; second, that there is a sex difference in the genetic substrate that regulates the inheritance of infanticidal behavior; and third, that selection pressures in male mice may operate independently on the mechanisms that promote spontaneous infanticidal behavior versus the mechanisms that inhibit infanticide.

Synopsis A suite of correlated behaviors reflecting between-individual consistency in behavior across multiple situations is termed a ''behavioral syndrome.'' Researchers have suggested that a cause for the correlation between different... more

Synopsis A suite of correlated behaviors reflecting between-individual consistency in behavior across multiple situations is termed a ''behavioral syndrome.'' Researchers have suggested that a cause for the correlation between different behaviors might lie in the neuroendocrine system. In this study, we examined the relationships between aggressiveness (a fish's readiness to perform gill display to its mirror image) and each of boldness (the readiness to emerge from a shelter), exploratory tendency (the readiness to approach a novel shelter), and learning performance (the probability of entering the correct reservoir in a T-maze test) in a mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus. We explored the possibility that the relationships between them arise because these behaviors are all modulated by cortisol and testosterone. We also tested the stability of the relationships between these behaviors shortly after using a winning or losing experience to alter individuals' aggressiveness. The results were that aggressiveness correlated positively with boldness and the tendency to explore, and that these three behavioral traits were all positively correlated with pre-experience testosterone levels. Aggressiveness and boldness also positively correlated with pre-experience cortisol levels; exploratory tendency did not. The relationship between aggressiveness and boldness appeared to be stronger than that between either of them and exploratory tendency. These results suggest that testosterone and cortisol play important roles in mediating the correlations between these behavioral traits. Learning performance was not significantly correlated with the other behavioral traits or with levels of testosterone or cortisol. Recent experience in contests influenced individuals' aggressiveness, tendency to explore, and learning performance but not their boldness; individuals that received a winning experience were quicker to display to their mirror image and performed better in the learning task but were slower to approach a novel object than were individuals that lost. Contest experience did not, however, significantly influence the relationships between aggressiveness and any of boldness, exploratory tendency, or learning performance. The results show that the individual components of a suite of correlated behaviors can preserve a flexibility to respond differently to environmental stimuli.

Socio-ecological theory predicts that group fusion in female-philopatric primate species will be rare because females experience increased costs by associating with non-relatives. Indeed, fusion has been reported only 14 times in only 4... more

Socio-ecological theory predicts that group fusion in female-philopatric primate species will be rare because females experience increased costs by associating with non-relatives. Indeed, fusion has been reported only 14 times in only 4 female-philopatric cercopithecines despite many years of observation. Here, we describe changes in ranging and agonistic behavior of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) after the fusion of two groups, the sole group fusion during 11 years of observation, induced by a brief but intense period of apparent leopard predation. Before fusion, both groups made few incursions into the other group's territory and spent most of the time in their own territories. After the fusion, the amalgamated group shifted its activities and used both territories in similar proportion. Rates of female agonism increased after fusion, particularly in the 2 weeks following fusion, and the small group females assumed the lowest ranks in the female dominance hierarchy. Rates of agonism returned to prefusion rates a month later. Although rates of high-intensity interactions (i.e., chases) did not increase after fusion, small group females were more likely to be the recipients of, and lose, agonistic interactions than large group females; a small group female and her infant were attacked and wounded by a coalition of large group females shortly after the fusion. The observations presented here reveal that the circumstances surrounding group fusions are more variable than previously realized, but are still in accordance with expectations from socio-ecological theory that predation can favor the formation of larger groups. In this case, under threat of severe predation, individuals may have surrendered group autonomy for the greater security of larger numbers.

Aggressive conflicts between males are often resolved by means of multiple ritualized agonistic displays without damaging escalation. Apparently, in such cases by using those displays opponents exchange important motivational and physical... more

Aggressive conflicts between males are often resolved by means of multiple ritualized agonistic displays without damaging escalation. Apparently, in such cases by using those displays opponents exchange important motivational and physical information on which they base a decision to stay or leave the interaction. In the Siamese fighting fish, the time spent spreading the dorsal fin and erecting the gill coverts predicts who will be the winner or loser of the interaction. Two experiments were carried out to study whether display performance might be costly. First, oxygen consumption was measured during mirror-image stimulation. This experiment showed that oxygen consumption was positively correlated with gill cover erection and dorsal fin spread. In the second experiment, a fight between two opponents was simulated and the oxygen consumption of the expected winner and loser was compared. Metabolic rates were not different between winners and losers before and during the fight, but winners showed higher oxygen consumption in the night after the fight. These results are in accordance with costs of display performance and with longlasting physiological consequences of winning or losing a fight. Aggr. Behav. 32:474-480, 2006. r

The behavior of Japanese or domestic quail Coturnixjaponica. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV. 21(3) 261-281, 1997. --This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the behavior of the Japanese or domestic quail Coturni;cjaponica. Details are given... more

The behavior of Japanese or domestic quail Coturnixjaponica. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV. 21(3) 261-281, 1997. --This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the behavior of the Japanese or domestic quail Coturni;cjaponica. Details are given of the classification, characteristics, domestication and the economic and research potential of the species. Further sections deal with sensation and perception (including taste and smell, vision and hearing), maintenance behavior (including feeding and drinking, dust bathing and thermoregulation), development and aging (including vocalization, fifial imprinting, sexual imprinting, fear and avoidance responses, sexual maturation and aging), adult learning (including habituation, instrumental conditioning, Pavlovian conditioning and observational learning), photoperiodism, reproductive behavior (including courtship and mating, hormonal control and ontogeny of sexual differentiation, and male and female sexual behavior), parental behavior (including nest-site selection and nest building, incubation behavior and its hormonal control, and hen-chick relationships), and aggressive behavior and dominance (including agonistic behavior and the hormonal control of aggressive behavior). © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

A workplace survey study (N = 2215, response rate 47%) revealed that about 16% of the sample may be categorized as either perpetrators (5.4%), provocative victims (2.1%), or as targets of bullying (8.3%). Targets of bullying, provocative... more

A workplace survey study (N = 2215, response rate 47%) revealed that about 16% of the sample may be categorized as either perpetrators (5.4%), provocative victims (2.1%), or as targets of bullying (8.3%). Targets of bullying, provocative victims, and bullies were compared with those 84% who do not report any involvement with respect to bullying at work, self-esteem, aggressive tendencies, prior experiences of bullying, or experiences of role stress. Perpetrators were found to have a higher level of aggression than did the comparison group and the targets. Provocative victims manifested a low level of self-esteem and social competency combined with a high level of aggressiveness. Targets of bullying revealed low levels of self-esteem and social competency. Targets, provocative victims, and perpetrators reported elevated levels of role stress in the form of unclear or conflicting demands and expectations around work tasks and daily work.

hgonistic behavior was studied longitudinally for 16 months in an intact family group of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator subgrisescens) using methods from quantitative ethology and social network analysis. A motivational... more

hgonistic behavior was studied longitudinally for 16 months in an intact family group of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator subgrisescens) using methods from quantitative ethology and social network analysis. A motivational analysis of the components of agonistic display revealed the relative strength of each component along a continuum from strongly dominant to strongly subordinate. Tabulations of exchanges of strongly dominant and strongly subordinate components in interactions among the tamarins revealed an agonistic network ("dominance hierarchy") that approached, but did not quite reach, the ideal state of a transitive order ("linear dominance hierarchy"). The frequency with which individual tamarins long called and scent marked was not closely correlated with their position ("dominance rank') in the agonistic network. Instead, individuals undergoing change in status long called and scent marked frequently, irrespective of their rank.

This competition, which is common among gregarious animals (Drews, 1993), often involves agonistic behaviors, such as aggressive physical acts, as well as ritualized behaviors, which may include signals used in communication. Agonistic... more

This competition, which is common among gregarious animals (Drews, 1993), often involves agonistic behaviors, such as aggressive physical acts, as well as ritualized behaviors, which may include signals used in communication. Agonistic interactions between a pair of opponents may start symmetrical, with the two acting equally aggressively, but then progress with one showing primarily aggressive behaviors and winning and the other showing submissive behaviors and losing. Those that engage primarily in aggressive behaviors are referred to as dominants, whereas those engaging in submissive or avoidance behaviors are referred to as subordinates (Drews, 1993). Consequently, dominants often have greater access to resources (Wilson, 1975). Many solitary and gregarious decapod crustaceans express such dynamic social behavior (

Results A total of 29.9% of the sample reported moderate or frequent involvement in bullying, as a bully (13.0%), one who was bullied (10.6%), or both (6.3%). Males were more likely than females to be both perpetrators and targets of... more

Results A total of 29.9% of the sample reported moderate or frequent involvement in bullying, as a bully (13.0%), one who was bullied (10.6%), or both (6.3%). Males were more likely than females to be both perpetrators and targets of bullying. The frequency of bullying was higher among 6th-through 8th-grade students than among 9th-and 10th-grade students. Perpetrating and experiencing bullying were associated with poorer psychosocial adjustment (PϽ.001); however, different patterns of association occurred among bullies, those bullied, and those who both bullied others and were bullied themselves.

Proper assessment of aggressive behavior is essential for an understanding of its causes. In 1987, Palmstierna and Wistedt [Acta Psychiatr Scand 76:657-663] introduced the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS), an instrument for... more

Proper assessment of aggressive behavior is essential for an understanding of its causes. In 1987, Palmstierna and Wistedt [Acta Psychiatr Scand 76:657-663] introduced the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS), an instrument for monitoring the frequency, nature, and severity of aggressive incidents. In the present study, the validity of the SOAS severity scoring system was examined, and the severity scores were refined. The SOAS was used to record aggression on six closed wards of three psychiatric hospitals. The SOAS severity scores of 556 aggressive incidents were compared with severity estimates given on Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) by staff members. The original SOAS scores were found to be moderately correlated with the estimates of severity given by staff on the VAS. The SOAS severity scoring system was refined on the basis of the staff severity estimates. The revised scoring method and other refinements in the contents of the instrument led to the construction of the SOAS-R. The SOAS-R seems to be a promising tool for monitoring a wide range of (self-) destructive acts on psychiatric wards. Aggr. Behav. 25:197-209, 1999.

Proper assessment of aggressive behavior is essential for an understanding of its causes. In 1987, Palmstierna and Wistedt [Acta Psychiatr Scand 76:657-663] introduced the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS), an instrument for... more

Proper assessment of aggressive behavior is essential for an understanding of its causes. In 1987, Palmstierna and Wistedt [Acta Psychiatr Scand 76:657-663] introduced the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS), an instrument for monitoring the frequency, nature, and severity of aggressive incidents. In the present study, the validity of the SOAS severity scoring system was examined, and the severity scores were refined. The SOAS was used to record aggression on six closed wards of three psychiatric hospitals. The SOAS severity scores of 556 aggressive incidents were compared with severity estimates given on Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) by staff members. The original SOAS scores were found to be moderately correlated with the estimates of severity given by staff on the VAS. The SOAS severity scoring system was refined on the basis of the staff severity estimates. The revised scoring method and other refinements in the contents of the instrument led to the construction of the SOAS-R. The SOAS-R seems to be a promising tool for monitoring a wide range of (self-) destructive acts on psychiatric wards. Aggr. Behav. 25:197-209, 1999.

Background: Bullying occurs in all schools. Measuring bullying in schools is complicated because both definitions of bullying and methods for measuring bullying vary. This study compared a brief 12-item Gatehouse Bullying Scale (GBS)... more

Background: Bullying occurs in all schools. Measuring bullying in schools is complicated because both definitions of bullying and methods for measuring bullying vary. This study compared a brief 12-item Gatehouse Bullying Scale (GBS) with items drawn from the Peer Relations Questionnaire (PRQ), a well-established bullying questionnaire to measure the concurrent validity of the GBS.Methods: Year 8 secondary school students (14 years of age) in metropolitan and regional Victoria, Australia, completed questionnaires assessing being teased, being deliberately left out, had rumors spread about oneself, and/or being physically threatened or hurt.Results: The prevalence of bullying using GBS and PRQ was 57% and 61%, respectively. Percent agreement between the 2 measures was high. Agreement adjusted for chance was moderate (kappa 0.5). The GBS had good to moderate test-retest reliability (rho 0.65).Conclusions: The GBS is a short, reliable tool measuring the occurrence of bullying in schools. As well as a global estimate of bullying, the GBS provides estimates of 2 covert and 2 overt types of bullying which can be useful for schools to better plan interventions dealing with school bullying.

Feral horse, Equus caballus, breeding groups, called bands, usually include one but sometimes up to five stallions. We found that mares were loyal to single-stallion (SS) or multistallion (MS) bands or were social dispersers (maverick... more

Feral horse, Equus caballus, breeding groups, called bands, usually include one but sometimes up to five stallions. We found that mares were loyal to single-stallion (SS) or multistallion (MS) bands or were social dispersers (maverick mares, Mv). The spacing and social behaviour of mares and stallions in single-and multistallion bands was measured. Indices of mare well-being were also measured including activity budgets (feeding: MS>SS=Mv; resting: MS<SS=Mv), band and mare travel (MS>SS), maternal effort in maintaining contact with foals (MS=Mv>SS), parasite levels in faeces (MS>Mv>SS), body condition (MS=Mv<SS), fecundity (Mv<MS<SS) and offspring mortality (Mv<MS<SS). We present evidence suggesting that the poorer well-being of maverick mares and multistallion band mares results from greater harassment by stallions. Stallion and mare behaviour and poor reproductive success in multistallion bands were not consistent with explanations for the existence of such bands based on cooperation or alternative mating strategies. We suggest an alternative explanation. Stable relationships between mares and a single stallion may enhance reproductive success by reducing aggression between individuals. Therefore, we propose that there is strong selection pressure for stable, long-term stallion-mare relationships, called consort relationships. We propose the consort hypothesis, that multistallion bands are an artefact of selection for stable relationships that occasionally result in more than one such relationship forming, because mares solicit more than one stallion and stallion dominance changes during band formation.

Canine aggression poses serious public health and animal welfare concerns. Most of what is understood about breed differences in aggression comes from reports based on bite statistics, behavior clinic caseloads, and experts' opinions.... more

Canine aggression poses serious public health and animal welfare concerns. Most of what is understood about breed differences in aggression comes from reports based on bite statistics, behavior clinic caseloads, and experts' opinions. Information on breed-specific aggressiveness derived from such sources may be misleading due to biases attributable to a disproportionate risk of injury associated with larger and/or more physically powerful breeds and the existence of breed stereotypes. The present study surveyed the owners of more than 30 breeds of dogs using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), a validated and reliable instrument for assessing dogs' typical and recent responses to a variety of common stimuli and situations. Two independent data samples (a random sample of breed club members and an online sample) yielded significant differences among breeds in aggression directed toward strangers, owners and dogs (Kruskal-Wallis tests, P < 0.0001).

The present study was designed to examine putative risk factors of driving anger, traffic citations, and traffic-related injuries as a function of gender. Participants included 785 (65% men) drivers identified by the Washington State... more

The present study was designed to examine putative risk factors of driving anger, traffic citations, and traffic-related injuries as a function of gender. Participants included 785 (65% men) drivers identified by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Just over half of participants (55%) were identified as high-risk drivers based on multiple traffic violations, whereas 45% were recruited from a random sample of drivers. Participants completed a mailed survey assessing indicators of risky driving and risk factors including sensation seeking, stressful events, negative affect, tobacco use, and drinking behavior. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate risky driving outcomes as a function of theoretically prioritized risk factors and to evaluate gender as a moderator. Overall, men reported more traffic citations and injuries, but did not differ from women in reported driving anger. All putative risk factors were associated with one or more indicators of risky driving. Moderation results revealed that the positive relationship between drinking frequency and driving anger was stronger for women. In contrast, typical number of drinks consumed was negatively associated with driving anger, which was also more evident for women. In addition, the positive association between sensation seeking and number of traffic citations was stronger among women. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Exposure to profanity in the media is a problem acknowledged by society, parents, and the industry. However, research has not examined the relationship between exposure to profanity in the media and... more

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Exposure to profanity in the media is a problem acknowledged by society, parents, and the industry. However, research has not examined the relationship between exposure to profanity in the media and subsequent behavior in adolescents.

Here, we provide quantitative data concerning adult and immature play distribution in geladas discussing the results in the light of their social dynamics. Sex differences in immature play does not seem to reflect sex differences in adult... more

Here, we provide quantitative data concerning adult and immature play distribution in geladas discussing the results in the light of their social dynamics. Sex differences in immature play does not seem to reflect sex differences in adult role; in fact, frequency, modality (C-play and LR-play), and motivation (measured by play initiations) to play did not vary according to the different sex-class combinations. The occurrence of adult-adult play suggests that geladas are characterized by an apparent more than actual rigidity in their social relationships and this is particularly evident in females which show peculiar traits in the use of social play. Specifically, adult females played with other adult females as much as with immature ones, thus suggesting their high motivation to engage in such interactions. This adult play behavioural pattern is typical of species showing relaxed/fluid more than despotic/rigid social relationships. Such assumption is also supported by the positive correlation observed between play and affinitive behaviours (grooming and agonistic support) found within each age-category (adult females and immature subjects). This evidence, together with the lack of correlation between aggressive contacts and social play, suggests that geladas use play for social assessment purposes and/or to increase their social affiliation levels.

A workplace survey study (N = 2215, response rate 47%) revealed that about 16% of the sample may be categorized as either perpetrators (5.4%), provocative victims (2.1%), or as targets of bullying (8.3%). Targets of bullying, provocative... more

A workplace survey study (N = 2215, response rate 47%) revealed that about 16% of the sample may be categorized as either perpetrators (5.4%), provocative victims (2.1%), or as targets of bullying (8.3%). Targets of bullying, provocative victims, and bullies were compared with those 84% who do not report any involvement with respect to bullying at work, self-esteem, aggressive tendencies, prior experiences of bullying, or experiences of role stress. Perpetrators were found to have a higher level of aggression than did the comparison group and the targets. Provocative victims manifested a low level of self-esteem and social competency combined with a high level of aggressiveness. Targets of bullying revealed low levels of self-esteem and social competency. Targets, provocative victims, and perpetrators reported elevated levels of role stress in the form of unclear or conflicting demands and expectations around work tasks and daily work.

Preferences for the soiled bedding odors of familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics were assessed among male mice rendered dominant or subordinate by a series of resident-intruder encounters. Alpha males preferred the odors of their familiar... more

Preferences for the soiled bedding odors of familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics were assessed among male mice rendered dominant or subordinate by a series of resident-intruder encounters. Alpha males preferred the odors of their familiar antagonist most strongly. Subordinates, in contrast, showed strongest preferences for unfamiliar females and a weaker preference for alpha odors. When female odors were eliminated from the preference test, alphas continued to show the strongest preference for familiar subordinate odors while subordinates displayed roughly equivalent preference for the odors of familiar alphas and unfamiliar males. It is suggested that the apparent mild preferences of subordinates for dominant conspecific odors reflects fear motivated risk assessment. In contrast, approaches of dominants to subordinate odors seems to be appetitively motivated. Generally recognizable subordination odors may be useful to unfamiliar males in recognizing exploitable resources.

This paper reports on the development, validity, and reliability of a self-report instrument designed to assess a respondent's perspective of pain resulting from relational violations and work toward relational forgiveness based on... more

This paper reports on the development, validity, and reliability of a self-report instrument designed to assess a respondent's perspective of pain resulting from relational violations and work toward relational forgiveness based on framework proposed by Hargrave (1994a). Presented here is the five-stage procedure used in the development of the Interpersonal Relationship Resolution Scale. Construct validity and reliability were determined from an initial sample of 164 subjects. Concurrent validity of the scal was supported by another sample of 35 respondents who took the Interpersonal Relationship Resolution Scal, the Personal Authority in the Family System Questonnaire, the Relational Ethics Scale, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior scale, and the Burns Depression Checklist. Finally, a predictive validity study of the scale was performed with a clinical and nonclinical sample of 98 volunteers. Data are presented that support the validity and reliability of the instrument, as will as the final version of the scale.

In three separate experiments, male Betta splendens were exposed, respectively, to mirror images, a variety of conspecifics, and to future opponents, prior to combat with unexposed sUbjects. Threat display to mirror images and to live... more

In three separate experiments, male Betta splendens were exposed, respectively, to mirror images, a variety of conspecifics, and to future opponents, prior to combat with unexposed sUbjects. Threat display to mirror images and to live opponents habituated significantly, but the outcomes of dominancesubordinance tests were not significantly affected by prior exposure to any of the threat-eliciting stimuli. Results are discussed in terms of stimulus and response specificity and possible chemical suppression of agonistic behavior.

... of possible stress factors is particularly important given that each subject is exposed to it throughout their whole life, not to mention the fact that their species has been previously exposed to the effects of its influence for... more

... of possible stress factors is particularly important given that each subject is exposed to it throughout their whole life, not to mention the fact that their species has been previously exposed to the effects of its influence for generations (Valencia-Alfonso, Feria-Velasco, Luquin, Diaz ...

In several groups in the order Charadriformes, biparental care is followed by a period of male-only care. Several hypotheses attempting to explain extended male parental care in shorebirds do not fit the Alcini. In a previous study of... more

In several groups in the order Charadriformes, biparental care is followed by a period of male-only care. Several hypotheses attempting to explain extended male parental care in shorebirds do not fit the Alcini. In a previous study of Brünnich’s Guillemots Uria lomvia and Razorbills Alca torda, we did not find support for female-biased parental effort at the breeding site that would lead to males being in better condition to care for chicks at sea. However, in both species, males spent more off-duty time at the breeding site than females, suggesting greater involvement in the defence of egg or chick, breeding site and mate. We predicted that there would be a male bias in size and aggressive behaviour associated with parental roles. To test this, body size and aggression of attending male and female Brünnich’s Guillemots and Razorbills were measured during incubation and brooding on the Gannet Islands, Labrador. Parental aggression was measured using natural observations of all agonistic interactions and, in Razorbills only, in situ responses to presentations of a predator model. In both species, males were significantly larger than females in culmen and gape length. Guillemot males initiated agonistic interactions more frequently than females during incubation. In contrast, female Guillemots were subjected to aggression more frequently than males and as a result were involved in more fights. In addition, the few chicks that were seen to die were being attended by single females. During the brooding period, Razorbill males responded aggressively to intruders more frequently than females, made more aggressive responses than females, and responded aggressively more frequently and more intensely than females to a predator model. In both species there was a similar male bias in morphology and behaviour that is consistent with male parents being more capable of protecting their chick, a probable advantage to chick survival during the uniparental care phase of some Charadriformes.

Women and violence has become a topic of increasing concern. Women's involvement in perpetrating violence, especially girl gang members, also has raised national concern. The participation of young women in gangs and gang violence has... more

Women and violence has become a topic of increasing concern. Women's involvement in perpetrating violence, especially girl gang members, also has raised national concern. The participation of young women in gangs and gang violence has caused public consternation as they are perceived to be violating traditional notions of femininity. In spite of this increased concern and burgeoning literature, signi cant gaps still exist in our understanding of the role of young women in gangs, the nature and extent of female gang members' victimization, and the extent of their involvement in perpetrating violence. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of violence in the lives of female gang members.

This article proposes an evolutionary psychological account of human aggression. The psychological mechanisms underlying aggression are hypothesized to he context-sensitive solutions to particular adaptive problems of social living. Seven... more

This article proposes an evolutionary psychological account of human aggression. The psychological mechanisms underlying aggression are hypothesized to he context-sensitive solutions to particular adaptive problems of social living. Seven adaptive problems are prqbosed for which aggression might have evolved as a solution -co-opting the resources of others, defending against attack, inflicting costs on same-sex rivals, negotiating status and power hierarchies, deterring rivals from future aggression, deterring mates from sexual infidelity, and reducing resources expended on genetically unrelated children. We outline several of the con texts in which humans confront these adaptive problems and the evolutionary logic of why men are cross-culturally more violently aggressive than women in particular contexts. The article con eludes with a limited review of the empirical evidence surrounding each of the seven hypothesized functions of aggression and discusses the status and limitations of the current evolutionary psychological account. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd ANCIENT HOMINID skeletal remains have been discovered that contain cranial and rib fractures that appear inexplicable except by the force of clubs and weapons that stab (Trinkaus & Zimmerman, 1982). Fragments from the weapons are occasionally found lodged in skeletal rib cages. As paleontological detective work has become increasingly sophisticated, evidence of violence among our ancestors has mush-

Leadership 464 E Article-at-a-Glance Background: A recent survey was conducted to assess the significance of disruptive behaviors and their effect on communication and collaboration and impact on patient care. Survey: VHA West Coast... more

Leadership 464 E Article-at-a-Glance Background: A recent survey was conducted to assess the significance of disruptive behaviors and their effect on communication and collaboration and impact on patient care. Survey: VHA West Coast administered a 22-question survey instrument-Nurse-Physician: Impact of Disruptive Behavior on Patient Care-to a convenience sample. Of the 388 member hospitals (in four VHA regions) invited, 102 hospitals participated in the survey (26% response rate). Results from surveys . Of the 4,530 participants, 2,846 listed their titles as nurses, 944 as physicians, 40 as administrative executives, and 700 as "other." Results: A total of 77% of the respondents reported that they had witnessed disruptive behavior in physicians-88% of the nurses and 51% of the physicians. Sixty-five percent of the respondents reported witnessing disruptive behavior in nurses at their hospitals-73% of the nurses and 48% of the physicians. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents agreed that disruptive behaviors were linked with adverse events; the result for medical errors was 71%, and patient mortality, 27%. Discussion: The results from the survey show that disruptive behaviors lead to potentially preventable adverse events, errors, compromises in safety and quality, and patient mortality. Strategies to address disruptive behaviors should (1) prevent disruptive events from occurring, (2) deal with events in real time to prevent staff or patient harm, and (3) initiate postevent review, actions, and follow-up. Recommendations: Twelve recommendations-including recognition and awareness, policies and procedures, incident reporting, education and training, communication tools, discussion forums, and intervention strategiesaddress what hospitals and other organizations can do now to address disruptive behaviors.

Behavioural, physical and physiological responses of Argentinean vicuñas to capture, handling and shearing were studied for the first time. The research was undertaken in a study area of 2414 ha with a mean density of 12-40 vicuñas/km 2 .... more

Behavioural, physical and physiological responses of Argentinean vicuñas to capture, handling and shearing were studied for the first time. The research was undertaken in a study area of 2414 ha with a mean density of 12-40 vicuñas/km 2 . Captures were conducted on groups of wild vicuñas that had not received any prior management. Groups were herded into a funnel system that ended in a corral with several internal subdivisions. Three distinct capture methods were compared, according to the method by which the animals were herded into the corral (vehicles system: vehicles only; mixed system: people on foot and vehicles; and Chaku system: people on foot only). Attempts to escape, alarm calls, increased vigilance, vocalizations, and kicking were measured to quantify the stress response. A total of 478 vicuñas were captured between May 2003 and November 2005. Vicuñas captures by mixed system showed alert and active behaviours and vocalized more in the handling corral. The most active animals inside the corrals showed higher respiratory and heart frequency during handling (r = 0.44, P < 0.05 and r = 0.58, P < 0.001, respectively) and the heart rate increase was inversely proportional to blood glucose and creatin kinase (CK levels) (r = −0.31, P = 0.05 and r = −0.4, P = 0.05, respectively). Females captured by people on foot showed greater concentrations of cortisol (174 ± 10.5 nmol/L), compared to vicuñas captured by people and vehicles (127.38 ± 12.5 nmol/L) (F (1,21) = 7.22, P < 0.05). Cortisol levels peaked between 90 and 120 min post-capture (♀ = 177.13 ± 7.67 nmol/L; ♂ = 135.11 ± 13.23 nmol/L). CK (ln) increased significantly according to time spent in captivity. The system that caused the fewest stress responses in vicuñas was capture by people on foot.

This study provides data on the form, frequency and contexts for male-male mounting in a confined troop of Japanese monkeys observed over a 2-year period. Considerable differences were found between male-male and male-adult female mount... more

This study provides data on the form, frequency and contexts for male-male mounting in a confined troop of Japanese monkeys observed over a 2-year period. Considerable differences were found between male-male and male-adult female mount events, mainly in frequency of mounts per encounter, seasonal patterning, context, and associated behaviours. There was a variable and small relationship between dominance status and male-male mounting but it was clear that mounting generally increased in situations that might be termed exciting or tense. The results of this and other studies on primates indicate that male-male mounting certainly has a multiplicity of causal factors and instead of labelling it as homosexual or dominance, certain suggested criteria can be used that may help in classifying and eventually in understanding this common and multifaceted gesture. 836 HANBY: MALEWfALE MOUNTING IN MONKEYS 837

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates aggression in male Syrian hamsters. In this study, we used radioligand receptor autoradiography to examine whether changes in agonistic behavior following acute and repeated social defeat are... more

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates aggression in male Syrian hamsters. In this study, we used radioligand receptor autoradiography to examine whether changes in agonistic behavior following acute and repeated social defeat are accompanied by changes in AVP V1a receptor binding. Social defeat produced high levels of submissive behavior and a loss of territorial aggression when hamsters were subsequently tested with a novel intruder, and repeated agonistic encounters produced similar behavioral changes in subordinates. AVP V1a receptor binding was not reduced by acute social defeat but was affected by repeated agonistic encounters. Dominants had significantly more AVP V1a receptor binding in lateral portions of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHL) than did their subordinate opponents, but subordinates were no different from controls. In contrast, receptor binding did not differ in most other brain regions examined. The changes in receptor binding appear to be independent of testosterone levels, as testosterone levels did not differ among dominants, subordinates, and controls. Our results suggest that changes in AVP V1a receptors do not account for the changes in agonistic behavior produced by acute social defeat but AVP V1a binding in the VMHL correlates with, and may modulate, the behavioral changes that occur following repeated experiences of victory. D