Unique associations among emotion dysregulation dimensions and aggressive tendencies: A multi-site study
Velotti,Patrizia Casselman,Robert B. Garofalo,C. McKenzie,Melissa D.
Velotti,Patrizia
Casselman,Robert B.
Garofalo,C.
McKenzie,Melissa D.
Abstract
While problems with emotion regulation (ER) have long been associated with internalizing symptoms, only recently has an ER framework been applied to the study of aggression. Therefore, little is known about the unique and independent associations between specific domains of the ER construct and different kinds of aggressive tendencies. We sought to explore these associations in two independent samples of young adults. Further, we tested whether gender moderated the proposed emotion dysregulation-aggression link. Our results corroborated the association between emotion dysregulation and aggression in both samples. Specifically, the inability to control impulsive behavior when upset (i.e., negative urgency) was uniquely related to physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. Limited access to ER strategies was also significantly associated with overall aggression and hostility. The effect of negative urgency on physical and verbal aggression was stronger among males than females, although only in one sample.
Description
Date
2017
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Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Keywords
SDG 5 - Gender Equality, SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Citation
Velotti, P, Casselman, R B, Garofalo, C & McKenzie, M D 2017, 'Unique associations among emotion dysregulation dimensions and aggressive tendencies : A multi-site study', Violence and Victims, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 791-810. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-16-00079