O presente trabalho é composto por dois estudos com o objetivo de investigar o impacto de adolescentes com autismo e comportamento agressivo. Buscou-se examinar as características de coparentalidade, as influências na adaptação familiar e o impacto do autismo e ocorrência de comportamento agressivo nas relações fraternas com base nos fatores propostos pelo modelo biopicossocial de Bradford. Foram entrevistadas quatro famílias compostas pelo casal, um filho com autismo com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, e seus irmãos. Em duas destas famílias o filho com autismo apresentava comportamento agressivo associado, e nas outras duas não. A análise comparativa dos casos, com base na análise de conteúdo, mostrou que a maioria das dimensões de coparentalidade apresentouse de forma similar em todos os casos, com e sem agressividade. Contudo, as crenças parentais sobre os recursos ou potencialidades do filho, percepção do filho como um sujeito em desenvolvimento e o papel que o pai exerce nos cuidados diretos do filho mostraram-se contrastantes. Discute-se a importância desses fatores para a compreensão do impacto do autismo e comportamentos agressivos na família, bem como para o exercício da coparentalidade e relações fraternas. / The present work comprises two studies aiming to investigate the impact of adolescents with autism and aggressive behavior. More specifically is intended to investigate the coparentig features, the influences on family adaptation and the impact on fraternal relationships using the Bradford´s psychosocial model and the McHale dimensions. Four families were interviewed, including the couple, the autistic child, aged between 18 and 23 years old, with and without aggressive behaviors and his siblings. The case compariosions, using the content analysis sowed that the majority of the coparenting dimensions were similar in all cases, with and without aggressive behavior. However, the parental beliefs about his child resources or deficits, the perception regarding the developing process of the children an father's role in childrearing distinguished the cases with and without aggressive behavior. Implications for understanding the impact of autism and aggressive in the family, coparenting and siblings relationships are discussed.

A agressão maternal tem como função preservar a vida da prole. O desenvolvimento desse comportamento depende vastamente do reconhecimento do adversário como uma ameaça potencial e esse reconhecimento envolve a detecção de pistas feromonais. O núcleo pré-mamilar ventral (PMv) é um dos principais alvos do núcleo medial da amígdala, que representa o setor amigdalar crítico para o processamento de pistas feromonais. Desta forma, postulamos que possivelmente o PMv seja sensível às pistas feromonais do macho intruso, servindo como uma possível interface para os sistemas neurais envolvidos na agressão maternal. Neste sentido, inicialmente avaliamos o padrão de ativação do PMv, bem como alguns de seus alvos de projeção, durante o comportamento maternal e durante a agressão maternal. Notamos que tanto o PMv como a maioria de seus alvos principais (tais como, o núcleo posterior da amígdala, a parte posterodorsal do núcleo medial da amígdala, a área hipotalâmica lateral tuberal e a parte ventrolateral do núcleo ventromedial) apresentam um aumento significativo na expressão da proteína Fos durante a agressão maternal. Em seguida, avaliamos o papel do PMv na organização neural do comportamento de agressão maternal, em ratas lactantes portadoras de lesões citotóxicas com NMDA do PMv. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo demonstram que as fêmeas lactantes com lesão no PMv não apresentam qualquer alteração nos parâmetros comportamentais relacionados ao comportamento maternal, mas apresentam uma significante diminuição no comportamento agressivo maternal. Observamos ainda, que a lesão citotóxica do PMv resultou numa drástica diminuição da expressão da proteína Fos em alguns sítios de projeção do PMv que se apresentavam mobilizados durante a agressão maternal (tais como a parte ventrolateral do hipotálamo ventromedial, a área hipotalâmica lateral tuberal e o núcleo pré-óptico medial), sugerindo a participação destes sítios neurais como críticos na expressão do comportamento de agressão maternal. / Maternal aggression is critical to preserve the litters from male intruders, and the pheromonal cues from the males are important to drive such responses. The ventral premamillary nucleus (PMv) is one of the main targets of the medial amygdalar nucleus, and is critically involved in processing pheromonal information. In this regard, in the present study, we investigated whether the PMv would work as a putative interface between the pheromonal processing of the male intruder and the neural sites potentially involved in the expression of maternal aggression. First, we analyzed the pattern of Fos expression in dams expressing aggressive maternal behavior, and found a significant increase in Fos levels in the PMv, as well as, in most of its main targets, such as the posterior amygdalar nucleus, the posterodorsal part of the medial amygdalar nucleus, the tuberal nucleus of the lateral hypothalamic area, and the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus. Next, we examined how NMDA lesions bilaterally placed in the PMv would interfere in maternal aggression, and found that dams bearing those lesions presented a significant reduction in the expression of aggressive behavior, but showed no alterations on the maternal behavior responses. Moreover, we were able to see that PMv lesions resulted in significant drop in Fos expression in selected PMv targets, namely the tuberal nucleus of the lateral hypothalamic area and the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus, likely to be critically involved in the expression of the maternal aggression. Overall, the present results support the idea that the PMv is seemingly a key site in the network controlling maternal aggression; on one hand, the nucleus is likely to processes pheromonal cues from the intruder male, and, on the other, it conveys this information to sites critically related to the expression of maternal aggression.

Os comportamentos agonísticos sociais dispostos por animais dominantes e subordinados podem ser notados no paradigma residente intruso. No hipotálamo há o núcleo pré-mamilar ventral (PMv) ligado a um sistema sexualmente dimórfico e relacionado a reprodução e comportamentos agonísticos. A cópula é fundamental para a modulação do comportamento de dominância e aumenta os níveis de CART (Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript) no PMv. Animais knockout de Sintase do Óxido Nítrico (NOS) apresentam agressão acentuada. Através da hibridização in situ estudamos a expressão de CART e de NOS nos animais com experiência sexual prévia ao encontro agonístico e sem experiência sexual (naive). No grupo que copulou foi visto aumento na expressão de CART e comportamento diferente do grupo naive visto que buscam a dominância e não apresentam posturas de submissão. Este aumento não foi observado nos níveis de NOS. Sugere-se que a experiência sexual esteja relacionada ao aumento de CART no PMv e possivelmente perda do comportamento subordinado e aumento da busca da dominância. / Aggressive behavior occurs when the interests of one or more individuals conflict. Territory is one of these interests, and the resident intruder paradigm is widely used to observe the expression of social agonistic behaviors. The dominance behavior has been studied under several views and it was shown that it can be raised by the presence of the female, its olfactory clues and by the sexual behavior. In the hypothalamus there is the premammillary ventralis nucleus (PMv) connected to a sexual dimorphic system and related to reproduction and agonistic behaviors. This nucleus was suggested as being involved in the modulation of aggressive behavior, and PMvs neuropeptides can have a direct relation with the expression of those agonistic behaviors. Males exposed to females olfactory clues show an increase in the expression of CART (C Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript) in the PMv. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) knockout animals show increased aggression. In the present investigation, using in situ hybridization we studied the expression of the mRNA of CART and NOS on intruders exposed to the resident-intruder paradigm. Two experimental groups were examined: one with sexual experience before the agonistic encounter and other naïve. It was observed increased expression of CART in the PMv in the sexual-experienced intruder. More, these animals behaved differently from naive intruders, and did not display submissive postures and start searching for dominance. Sexual experienced intruders presented increased expression of CART, but not NOS, mRNA. Thus, suggesting that the sexual experience is related to an increase in CART expression in the PMv and possibly with the lost of submissive behavior and increased search for dominance status.

Sexually-selected communication signals can be used by competing males to settle contests without incurring the costs of fighting. The ability to dynamically regulate the signal in a context-dependent manner can further minimize the costs of male aggressive interactions. Such is the case in the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio, which, by coupling its electric organ discharge (EOD) waveform to endocrine systems with circadian, seasonal, and behavioral drivers, can regulate its signal to derive the greatest reproductive benefit. My dissertation research examined the functional role of the EOD plasticity observed in male B. gauderio and the physiological mechanisms that regulate the enhanced male EOD. To evaluate whether social competition drives the EOD changes observed during male-male interactions, I manipulated the number of males in breeding groups to create conditions that exemplified low and high competition and measured their EOD and steroid hormone levels. My results showed that social competition drives the enhancement of the EOD amplitude of male B. gauderio. In addition, changes in the EOD of males due to changes in their social environment were paralleled by changes in the levels of androgens and cortisol. I also examined the relationship between body size asymmetry, EOD waveform parameters, and aggressive physical behaviors during male-male interactions in B. gauderio, in order to understand more fully the role of EOD waveforms as reliable signals. While body size was the best determinant of dominance in male B. gauderio, EOD amplitude reliably predicted body condition, a composite of length and weight, for fish in good body condition. To further characterize the mechanisms underlying the relationship between male-male interactions and EOD plasticity, I identified the expression of the serotonin receptor 1A, a key player in the regulation of aggressive behavior, in the brains of B. gauderio. I also identified putative regulatory regions in this receptor in B. gauderio and other teleost fish, highlighting the presence of additional plasticity. In conclusion, male-male competition seems to be a strong selective driver in the evolution of the male EOD plasticity in B. gauderio via the regulatory control of steroid hormones and the serotonergic system.

Communication Skills of Novice Psychiatric Nurses with Aggressive Psychiatric Patients by Rose L. Moss MS, University of Hartford, 1996 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University March 2015 The transition from novice nurse to a competent psychiatric staff nurse is often associated with major communication challenges, primarily when caring for aggressive patients. Guided by Peplau's theory, this quantitative study assessed the communication skills of novice psychiatric nurses (N = 25) who worked 24 months or less in the state psychiatric hospital with aggressive psychiatric patients. Additionally, certain demographic data such as gender, age range, level of education, and length of time working were analyzed to determine their impact on communication skills. The survey consisted of 20 questions which assessed demographic data, communications skills, and hospital-based orientation. Based on ANOVA, novice nurses did not differ on hospital-based orientation based on gender, age, level of education, or length of time working. Novice nurses' communication skills did not differ by gender, age or level of education; however, novice psychiatric nurses who had worked 19-24 months had stronger communication skills than those working less time with aggressive patients (F = 6.9, p < 0.005). A communication skills class during hospital orientation to prepare novice nurses to communicate effectively with aggressive patient was recommended to nursing leadership and staff. A communication skills class held during hospital orientation could enhance the nurse-patient relationship, cultivate a safer and secure milieu, and improve patient outcomes. The findings have implications for positive social change for staff development to improve the hospital orientation for novice psychiatric nurses to become better equipped as effective communicators with aggressive psychiatric patients.

School violence has gained attention in recent years with the rise of aggressive behavior in schools across the United States. With increased understanding of this problem, school district administrators might implement prevention strategies or assess current school violence policies and programs. Using the conceptual framework of general strain theory, a case study was conducted in an urban school district in the northeastern United States that was experiencing increased student violence. The purpose of this case study was to explore teachers' perceptions of school violence to increase the understanding of the problem at the study site. All certified teachers in the study district were invited to participate. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 teachers in 9 elementary schools. After compiling, disassembling, reassembling, and coding the data, various themes emerged. The findings from the interviews revealed a need for district-wide consistency to address school violence, professional development to train staff on violence related issues and mandates, and a program to combat as well as prevent the existence of violence in the school climate. A recommendation is that the school district adopts the School Wide Positive Behavior Intervention Supports to provide a framework of consistent management of student behavior and professional development practices within a district-wide violence prevention program. The study contributes to positive social change by increasing the understanding of school violence at the study site and providing the recommended program designed to improve school climate, student learning, and social behavior through a tier leveled system designed to reach all levels of school violence.

Between 15 March and 29 July 1998 we quantified aggressive movements (AMs) in a breeding colony of 44 adult magellanic penguins (MPs) during their nesting season at San Francisco Zoo (SFZ). We sampled their behavior for a total of 149.5 hrs in 46 sessions of 195 min each, all starting at 0945 hrs and stopping at 1300 hrs. We recognized 4 types of AMs, of which 2 (eye-pointing and charging) were threat signals, I (bill-fencing) was a ritualized contest of strength and agility, and I (biting) was physical attack. MPs only performed AMs within 2-3 m of nest entrances. Males performed 83% of all AMs, females 17%. The eye-pointing threat signal accounted for 92% of all AMs, and the 3 non-attack AMs combined accounted for 99% of all AMs; only I% involved physical assault. Both sexes performed eye-pointing and bill-fencing, but only males charged or bit their adversaries.

Många människor i Sverige söker sig till psykiatrisk vård för olika psykiatriska åkommor. Ett antal av dessa människor är mycket psykiskt sjuka att de tvingas vårdas inom sluten psykiatrisk vård. Sjuksköterskan som har ansvaret i att administrera läkemedel, som vid tvångsmedicinering, riskerar att bli sedd som fiende och måltavla för våld från patienterna, vilket kan leda till rädsla samt svårigheter att skapa tillit till sjuksköterskan i vårdrelation. Därför är det av vikt att forska och lyfta fram aspekter och perspektiv på hur man ska gå tillväga för att förstå sjuksköterskors upplevelser, erfarenheter av att hantera aggressiva beteenden och utveckla vården så att patienterna kan få optimal omvårdnad. Syftet med studien var att belysa psykiatrisjuksköterskors upplevelser av våld samt beskriva vilka faktorer som påverkar uppkomster av våld inom psykiatrisk vård. Metoden av litteraturstudien var baserad på 15 utvalda vetenskapliga artiklar skrivna mellan åren 2005 och 2015. Databaserna Cinahl, PsycINFO och PubMed användes i sökning av artiklarna. Det gjordes även manuell sökning av artiklar för att få ett större urval, vilket ledde till inkludering av 3 artiklar. Analysen resulterade i fyra teman: Sjuksköterskors upplevelser av uppkomst av aggression och våld inom psykiatrisk vård, sjuksköterskors upplevelser av hur vård och arbetsmiljö påverka patienter och sjuksköterskor, sjuksköterskors upplevelser av tvångsvård och vidtagna åtgärder för att minimera uppkomst av våld samt sjuksköterskors upplevelser av våld. Slutsats: Psykiatrisjuksköterskornas upplevelser av våld vid vård av patienter med aggressivt beteende varierar. Vissa blir stressade, traumatiserade eller rädda och byter därför arbetsplats medan andra uppfattar våldet som en rutin, tillhörande arbetsplatsen och inte reflekterar mer om saken. Våldet påverkar sjuksköterskor både emotionellt och fysiskt vilket kan ge betydande konsekvenser i deras arbetsförmåga och privatliv. För att sjuksköterskor ska kunna utföra sitt jobb effektivt, behövs insyn i arbetsmiljön, stöd och förståelse för sjuksköterskors arbetssituation från arbetsgivaren, ökad kompetens i att hantera och förebygga våld, och möjlighet för reflektion i händelse av incidenter, där även arbetsgivarrepresentant är närvarande. Arbetsgivarna behöver komma med strategier för att behålla sin personal och kunna rekrytera nya genom att erbjuda sjuksköterskor tryggare arbetsplats.

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