A research note on body mass, physical aggression, and the competitiveness of Asian-Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam
Pinhey, T.K.
Social Biology 49(1-2): 90-98
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-766X PMID: 14652912 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2002.9989051Document Number: 233793
This study uses the evolutionary model to guide an exploration of the effects of body mass on aggressive and competitive behaviors among Asian-Pacific adolescents in Guam. Using a probability sample of Guam's high-school students, the results of logistic regressions suggest that adolescent females with greater body mass are more likely to engage in physical fights (aggression) and to participate in team sports (competitiveness). Ethnic differences indicate the possibility that individuals with lower body mass may be less likely to participate in physically aggressive acts and team sports. Alternate theoretical explanations for the results are also considered.