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The Impact of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory on Aggressive Behavior.
Kristy-Elizabeth M Parker1, Nicola Farrell1, Benjamin R Walker1
1Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|August 9, 2020
Summary
Personality traits like impulsivity and anxiety influence proactive and reactive aggression. The revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) helps explain these individual differences in aggressive behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The underlying causes of individual differences in aggression remain unclear.
- Existing research links personality traits to proactive and reactive aggression.
- Gaps in understanding specific trait-aggression relationships persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) constructs and aggression.
- To differentiate the predictors of proactive and reactive aggression.
- To explore the mediating role of Social Dominance Orientation in proactive aggression.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 146 participants was conducted.
- Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) measures were administered.
- Statistical analyses were used to examine the links between personality traits and aggression.
Main Results:
- Behavioral Approach System (BAS)-Impulsivity and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) significantly predicted both proactive and reactive aggression.
- Defensive Fight was a significant predictor of reactive aggression.
- BAS-Impulsivity partially mediated the relationship between Social Dominance Orientation and proactive aggression.
Conclusions:
- Proactive and reactive aggression are influenced by a combination of anxiety and approach-motivational traits.
- Findings enhance the understanding of rRST's role in aggression.
- Results have implications for the treatment of aggressive behaviors.
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