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Background: The number of people experiencing depression problems in the world in 2017 based on WHO records was 322 million people. This showed an increase of up to 18.4% from 2005. Most depressed sufferers have been more likely to show a decrease in energy and lose interest in activities until the emergence of suicidal ideas. Nevertheless, in studies most recently it was found that there was a risk of aggressive behavior in depressed clients.

Objective: This study aims to explore impulsivity as part of aggression in depressed clients.

Method: The design of this study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological study approach. The number of participants in this study was 11 people. Data analysis was carried out using a thematic analysis.

Results: The study produced four themes, namely (1) uncontrolled anger as the initial expression of impulsivity, (2) anger manifestations through reckless actions (3) the homicide vs suicide thought during impulsive phase and (4) self-efficacy at the end of impulsivity. Impulsivity is the main form of aggression in depressed clients.

Conclusions: The characteristics of impulsivity in depressed clients are preceded by uncontrolled expressions of anger, followed by risky behaviors. They are then developed with the emergence of extreme thoughts and ended with the formation of self-efficacy. Nurses need to pay attention to impulsive behaviors in depressed clients, especially facilitating good coping strategies and improving the quality of social relations to clients so they can break the chain of characteristics of impulsivity.

Keywords: agression; depression; impulsive behavior; nursing; phenomenology