Unique Associations Among Emotion Dysregulation Dimensions and Aggressive Tendencies: A Multisite Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Aggression Research

Background:

• Emotion regulation (ER) problems are traditionally linked to internalizing symptoms.
• The application of ER frameworks to aggression is a recent development, leaving specific associations understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the unique associations between specific emotion regulation (ER) domains and various forms of aggression.
• To examine gender moderation in the relationship between emotion dysregulation and aggression.

Main Methods:

• Two independent samples of young adults were analyzed.
• Statistical methods were used to explore associations and test for gender moderation.

Main Results:

• Emotion dysregulation was confirmed to be associated with aggression in both samples.
• Negative urgency (impulsive behavior when upset) uniquely predicted physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility.
• Limited access to ER strategies correlated with overall aggression and hostility.
• Gender moderated the link between negative urgency and physical/verbal aggression in one sample, with males showing a stronger effect.

Conclusions:

• Emotion dysregulation, especially negative urgency, is a significant correlate of aggression.
• Specific ER deficits have distinct relationships with different aggression facets.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering ER in understanding and addressing aggression, with potential gender differences.