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The moderation effect of mentalization in the relationship between impulsiveness and aggressive behavior
Pamela Parada-Fernández1,2, David Herrero-Fernández1, Irene Rodríguez-Arcos3
1Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain.
High mentalization can reduce aggressive behavior in impulsive individuals. This study explored how mentalization moderates the link between impulsiveness and aggression in the Spanish population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Aggressive behavior presents a significant societal challenge.
- Identifying predictors of aggression is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of mentalization in the relationship between impulsiveness and aggressive behavior (verbal and physical).
- To analyze these effects within a general Spanish population sample.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 583 participants from the Spanish general population.
- Data collected on aggression, impulsiveness, and mentalization.
- Moderation structural equation modeling (MSEM) employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant bivariate correlations were found among aggression, impulsiveness, and mentalization.
- A significant moderation effect of mentalization was observed.
- High mentalization mitigated the link between high impulsiveness and aggressive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Mentalization acts as a protective factor, reducing aggression in highly impulsive individuals.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing mentalization may be effective in managing aggressive tendencies.
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