Aggression-related hostility bias and social problem-solving deficits in adult males with mental retardation.

Attributional bias and social problem-solving deficits in two groups of adult males (aggressive vs. nonaggressive) with mild mental retardation were investigated. When presented with vignettes depicting various problem situations, aggressive participants were less accurate in correctly identifying interpersonal intent, characterized by more problem-solving deficits, and generated higher numbers of aggressive solutions to resolve problems as compared to their nonaggressive counterparts. The present results support the applicability of contemporary models of social information processing and adjustment with regard to reactive aggression to men with mental retardation.