Release of Aggression, Explore the Register of Veteran Specific Research

Managing aggression in healthy ways is essential for veteran wellbeing. Military service can involve high-stress environments and experiences that heighten emotional intensity, making effective coping strategies critical during transition to civilian life. Research on the release of aggression explores methods such as physical activity, sport and structured programs that channel energy constructively, reduce stress and prevent harmful behaviors. Understanding these approaches helps shape initiatives that promote emotional regulation and resilience.

This resource brings together available studies focused on the release of aggression. It’s designed to help researchers, policymakers and the veteran community access reliable information that supports wellbeing, recovery and systemic change. Please note that while much research is publicly available, some studies may require subscription access.

Explore the register below to find data about healthy release of aggression, if you’d like to explore another topic, you can do so here.

Explore the register below to find data about the release of aggression that informs programs, drives innovation and strengthens support for those who have served. If you’d like to explore another research topic, you can see all topics here.

Title: Problem anger in veterans and military personnel: Prevalence, predictors, and associated harms of suicide and violence.
Author/Source: Varker, T., et al., J Psychiatr Res, 2022. 151: p. 57-64.
Summary: Analysed data from over 12,800 Australian military personnel and veterans to examine the prevalence and consequences of problem anger. The study underscores the need to include anger in suicide and violence risk assessments and to enhance clinical training and interventions targeting anger management in military populations.

Title: Violent behaviour in U.K. military personnel returning home after deployment.
Author/Source: Macmanus, D., et al., Psychol Med, 2012. 42(8): p. 1663-73.
Summary: This cohort study of 4,928 U.K. military personnel returning from Iraq found a 12.6% prevalence of violent behaviour post-deployment. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing trauma and substance use to mitigate post-deployment violence risks.

Title: Dimensions of Anger Reactions-Revised (DAR-R): Validation of a brief anger measure in Australia and Spain.
Author/Source: Kannis-Dymand, L., et al., J Clin Psychol, 2019. 75(7): p. 1233-1248.
Summary: Validated the seven-item Dimensions of Anger Reactions-Revised (DAR-R) scale in Australian and Spanish populations. The DAR-R demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The tool proved effective for screening problematic anger in clinical and research settings, with established cut-off scores and cross-cultural applicability.

Title: Aggressive and violent behavior among military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan: prevalence and link with deployment and combat exposure.
Author/Source: MacManus, D., et al., Epidemiol Rev, 2015. 37: p. 196-212.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis on findings from 17 studies examining aggression and violence among military personnel post-deployment. The review found that combat exposure significantly increased the risk of post-deployment violence, with PTSD acting as a key mediator. Alcohol misuse further compounded this risk. The findings emphasise the need for integrated mental health and substance use interventions for combat-exposed veterans.

Title: Experiences of Parental PTSD for Children Aged 9–17 in Military and Emergency First Responder Families.
Author/Source: May, K., et al., Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2023. 32(12): p. 3816-3834.
Summary: Explored the lived experiences of children aged 9–17 with a parent suffering from PTSD due to military or emergency service. The study highlights the intergenerational transmission of trauma and calls for culturally sensitive, family-inclusive interventions to support children in service families.

Title: Effects of Sports Activity on Sustainable Social Environment and Juvenile Aggression.
Author/Source: Lee, Y. and S. Lim, Sustainability, 2019. 11(8): p. 2279.
Summary: Analysed data from 2,378 South Korean adolescents to examine how sports participation influences juvenile aggression through social environmental factors. The findings revealed that sports activity positively affected relationships with teachers and peers, which in turn reduced aggression toward others and oneself. While sports did not directly reduce aggression, it had an indirect effect by fostering a more supportive social environment. The study supports the use of sports as a non-stigmatising, cost-effective tool for promoting prosocial behaviour and reducing youth aggression.

Title: The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games.
Author/Source: Brittain, I., K. Bunds, and J. Bocarro, Journal of Global Sport Management, 2024. 9(1): p. 62-85.
Summary: Examined the role of sport in the rehabilitation of disabled military veterans who participated in the 2016 Invictus Games. Found that sport facilitated physical recovery, emotional healing, and identity reconstruction. The findings affirm sport’s transformative potential in veteran recovery and reintegration.