Aggression, Impulsiveness, and Suicidal Tendencies Among Adolescents in the Iranian Region: A Descriptive‐Analytic Cross‐Sectional Study

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Abstract
Background and Aims: Aggression and impulsiveness are personality traits linked to adolescent mental health and suicidal tendencies. Although their associations with suicidality have been reported, evidence on their independent effects among Iranian adolescents, especially in high‐risk regions, is limited. This study examined the relationships between aggression, impulsiveness, and suicidal tendencies among adolescents in a region of Iran. Methods: This descriptive‐analytic cross‐sectional study was conducted on 200 male and female secondary school students selected through multistage random sampling from four high schools. Data were collected using the Multi‐Attitude Suicide Tendency questionnaire, Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Impulsiveness Scale, and a demographic checklist. Data were analyzed using independent t‐tests, Pearson correlation, one‐way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression in SPSS version 23. Results: Male adolescents reported significantly higher aggression scores than females ( p = 0.03), while impulsiveness did not differ by gender ( p > 0.05). Aggression differed significantly across academic grades ( p = 0.02). Aggression showed a strong positive correlation with suicidal tendencies ( r = 0.61, p < 0.001), whereas impulsiveness demonstrated a weak correlation ( r = 0.18, p = 0.01). In regression analysis, aggression was a significant predictor of suicidal tendencies ( β = 0.61, p < 0.001), explaining 36% of the variance (R² = 0.36), while impulsiveness was not a significant predictor. Academic performance was significantly associated with aggression and impulsiveness, whereas parental education and occupation were not. Conclusion: Aggression is the main independent predictor of suicidal tendencies among adolescents, particularly males, while impulsiveness has a limited role. Early identification of aggressive behaviors and school‐based prevention programs are therefore essential in high‐risk regions.

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