Modified Overt Aggression Scale

Modified Overt Aggression Scale

The Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) is a psychological assessment tool used to measure the frequency and severity of aggressive behaviors. It is an adaptation of the original Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) and is widely used in clinical and research settings to evaluate aggression in individuals with various psychiatric conditions.

Development and Purpose

The MOAS was developed to provide a more comprehensive and quantifiable measure of aggression. It was designed to address some of the limitations of the original OAS by incorporating additional categories and a scoring system that allows for the assessment of different types of aggressive behavior. The scale is used to assess aggression in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and it is applicable to a wide range of populations, including those with mental disorders, neurological disorders, and developmental disabilities.

Structure of the Scale

The MOAS consists of four subscales, each representing a different type of aggressive behavior:

• Verbal Aggression: This subscale measures aggressive verbal interactions, such as shouting, cursing, or threatening others.
• Aggression Against Property: This subscale assesses behaviors that involve damaging or destroying property.
• Autoaggression: This subscale evaluates self-directed aggressive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicidal gestures.
• Physical Aggression: This subscale measures physical acts of aggression directed towards other people.

Each subscale is scored based on the frequency and severity of the aggressive behaviors observed, with higher scores indicating more severe aggression.

Scoring and Interpretation

The MOAS uses a Likert-type scale to rate the severity of each type of aggression. Scores for each subscale are summed to provide a total aggression score. The total score can be used to assess the overall level of aggression and to monitor changes in aggression over time. Clinicians and researchers use the MOAS to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing aggressive behavior.

Applications

The MOAS is used in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and community mental health centers. It is a valuable tool for clinicians in developing treatment plans and for researchers studying the etiology and treatment of aggression. The scale is also used in forensic settings to assess the risk of aggressive behavior in individuals with a history of violence.

Limitations

While the MOAS is a widely used tool, it has some limitations. The scale relies on the subjective judgment of the evaluator, which can introduce bias. Additionally, the MOAS may not capture all forms of aggression, particularly those that are more subtle or indirect. Despite these limitations, the MOAS remains a useful instrument for assessing overt aggression.