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What does metaphoric language say about aggression? The relationships between metaphoric language, impulsivity, and
1Department of Criminology, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
Acta Psychologica
|February 6, 2024
Summary
Adolescent aggression and impulsivity are linked to metaphor comprehension. Better understanding of metaphors may reduce aggressive behaviors in teens.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Linguistics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Adolescent aggression and impulsivity are significant global concerns.
- The role of cognitive processes, such as language comprehension, in modulating these behaviors is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between metaphor comprehension and impulsivity and aggression in adolescents.
- To explore the mediating role of impulsivity in the link between metaphor comprehension and aggression.
Main Methods:
- 204 adolescents completed self-report questionnaires for impulsivity and aggression.
- Adolescents underwent tests assessing comprehension of familiar and less familiar metaphors.
Main Results:
- Inverse relationships were found between metaphor comprehension and both impulsivity and aggression.
- Specific aggression types showed distinct correlations with familiar versus less familiar metaphor comprehension.
- Impulsivity mediated the relationship between familiar metaphor comprehension and aggression.
Conclusions:
- Metaphor comprehension is a cognitive process that can modulate adolescent aggressive behavior.
- Understanding complex language, like metaphors, may be a target for interventions aimed at reducing impulsivity and aggression.
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