Aggressive behavior

This chapter presents two brief case studies. Each example has been chosen to highlight the utility of conducting a functional analysis of aggressive behavior within the context of a nested ecological approach. A functional analysis of aggression considers the purpose of the behavior and emphasizes situational factors that might elicit, suppress, and/or maintain the aggression. The nested ecological approach considers how the individual is embedded in multiple levels of context, each of which may be exerting an influence on his or her expression of aggression. This combined approach is chosen because of its clinical and theoretical utility. Due to the expertise of the current authors, the chapter gives particular attention to the assessment of aggression occurring within the context of an intimate relationship.