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Hostile Intent Attribution and Aggressive Behavior in Children Revisited: A Meta-Analysis
Rogier E J Verhoef1, Sophie C Alsem1, Esmée E Verhulp1
1Utrecht University.
Child Development
|June 6, 2019
Summary
Hostile intent attribution (HIA) is linked to children's aggression. This meta-analysis shows HIA is a general trait, but its impact varies with emotional engagement and measurement reliability.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Hostile intent attribution (HIA) is a cognitive bias where individuals perceive hostile intent in ambiguous situations.
- Understanding the link between HIA and aggressive behavior in children is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous research has yielded mixed findings regarding the strength and moderators of this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a multilevel meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize the existing research on the relationship between HIA and children's aggressive behavior.
- To test specific hypotheses regarding moderators that influence the strength of the HIA-aggression link.
- To examine whether HIA is a general disposition and how emotional engagement affects its association with aggression.
Main Methods:
- A multilevel meta-analysis was performed, aggregating data from 111 studies.
- The analysis included 219 effect sizes derived from data on 29,272 participants.
- Statistical methods were employed to assess the overall effect size and explore potential moderators.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between HIA and aggressive behavior in children.
- Effect sizes varied considerably across studies, indicating the presence of moderators.
- The strength of the HIA-aggression link was influenced by the level of emotional engagement and the reliability of HIA measures.
Conclusions:
- Hostile intent attribution (HIA) functions as a general disposition influencing behavior across various contexts.
- Emotional engagement and the reliability of HIA measures are key moderators affecting the HIA-aggression relationship.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific moderators for enhanced theoretical development and targeted interventions.
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