Structural analysis of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire in population exposed to armed conflicts.

The Reactive-Proactive aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) evaluates the construct of intrinsic motivation of aggression and has been tested in adults exposed to armed conflicts. We aim to validate the structure and reliability of internal consistency of the RPQ in Colombian population exposed to armed conflicts. We start by evaluating the two-dimensional factorial structure of its original version. Then, we perform an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in 254 subjects, and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in 797 subjects. Sex and exposure to experiences associated with armed conflicts are used as independent variables to evaluate construct validity in a subgroup analysis. As a result, a novel reduced version of the RPQ was obtained with the two original dimensions (reactive/proactive aggression), with adequate goodness-of-fit in EFA and confirmed with CFA. Additionally, adequate internal consistency and construct validity were observed in the new questionnaire and its dimensions. This new version relates the severity of items at each dimension. Therefore, it explores the way aggressive behaviors in adulthood are accentuated and how they can be intensified by violent environments. With this study, we provide a validated instrument to inform about the intrinsic motivations of aggression in adults that have been exposed to situations associated with armed conflicts. With this instrument, we expect to facilitate the diagnosis, promotion, and prevention programs, and evidence-based interventions in regions exposed to violent contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)