Sex Differences in the Forms of Aggression among Adolescent Students in Ghana

A number of studies have investigated sex differences in the forms of aggression exhibited by adolescent students, particularly in the Western world. No such study has been done among sub-Saharan Africa students. The aim was to examine the sex differences in forms of aggression among adolescent students in Ghana. A total of 800 adolescent students from eight same-sex secondary (high) schools in Ghana were selected for the study. The Direct/Indirect Aggression Scale (DIAS) was the main instrument used. Findings indicate that Ghanaian male students reported higher-level characteristics of direct aggression, while Ghanaian female students reported higher-level characteristics of indirect aggression. Direct verbal aggression was reported by both sexes as the most frequently exhibited aggressive behaviour on campus. This study allows an understanding of Ghanaian adolescent students' aggression and how they express their aggression on campus. (Contains 4 tables.)