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Anger and effortful control moderate aggressogenic thought-behaviour associations
Sanna Roos1,2, Ernest V E Hodges2,3, Kätlin Peets4,5
1a Turku Institute for Child and Youth Research , University of Turku , Turku , Finland.
Cognition & Emotion
|June 5, 2015
Summary
This study found that aggressive thoughts combined with high anger and low self-control predict aggressive behavior in children. However, high anger and high self-control showed a negative link between self-efficacy and aggression.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Aggressive cognitions, including normative beliefs and self-efficacy, are linked to aggressive behavior.
- Emotional factors like anger and cognitive control mechanisms are crucial in understanding aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between aggressive cognitions, anger, and effortful control in predicting aggressive behavior.
- To examine how anger and effortful control moderate the association between aggressive thoughts and aggressive actions in children.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 311 Finnish fifth and sixth graders (mean age 11.9 years).
- Utilized self-reported aggressive cognitions (normative beliefs, self-efficacy) and peer-reported aggressive behavior.
- Teacher-reported measures of anger and effortful control were employed.
Main Results:
- Aggressive cognitions were associated with higher aggressive behavior.
- Anger and effortful control significantly moderated this association.
- The link between aggressive cognitions and behavior was strongest in children high in anger and low in effortful control.
- In children high in both anger and effortful control, self-efficacy was negatively related to aggression.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive behavior arises from a complex motivational system influenced by cognitive and emotional factors.
- Examining cognitive and emotional structures together is vital for predicting children's aggression.
- Interventions may need to address both aggressive thinking and emotional regulation skills.
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