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Learning to keep your cool: reducing aggression through the experimental modification of cognitive control.
Benjamin M Wilkowski1, Sarah E Crowe, Elizabeth Louise Ferguson
1a Department of Psychology , University of Wyoming , Laramie , WY , USA.
Cognition & Emotion
|May 8, 2014
Summary
This study developed a cognitive modification technique to help individuals control aggressive urges after encountering hostile cues. The procedure successfully reduced aggression in those prone to hostile attributions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive control resources may help override aggressive urges after exposure to hostile stimuli.
- Individuals prone to hostile attributions may benefit from interventions targeting cognitive control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a cognitive modification procedure to enhance cognitive control recruitment.
- To investigate the procedure's effectiveness in overriding aggressive urges, particularly in individuals with hostile attributional biases.
Main Methods:
- A novel cognitive modification procedure was implemented to encourage cognitive control engagement.
- Participants were exposed to hostile primes, and the procedure's effects on cognitive control and aggression were measured.
Main Results:
- The procedure successfully promoted cognitive control recruitment following hostile primes.
- Individuals prone to hostile attributions showed a reduction in aggressive urges.
- A slight increase in aggression was observed at low levels of hostile attributions.
Conclusions:
- The cognitive modification procedure is effective in enhancing cognitive control and reducing aggression in specific populations.
- Findings suggest potential for targeted interventions for aggression management.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuanced effects across different levels of hostile attributional bias.
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