A Network Analysis of College Students' Coping Styles and Aggressive Behavior

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Mental Health

Background:

• Aggressive behavior is a significant concern in college student populations.
• Understanding the interplay between coping mechanisms and aggression is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the network structure of coping styles and aggressive behavior in college students.
• To identify key bridging items and dimensions between coping styles and aggressive behavior.
• To provide empirical evidence for targeted mental health interventions on college campuses.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based approach was used with 910 college students (mean age 19.11 ± 0.85).
• Network analysis was employed to construct separate networks for coping styles, aggressive behavior, and a bridging network.
• Central and bridging nodes within these networks were identified.

Main Results:

• Specific items within positive and negative coping styles (e.g., items 4, 9, 7) were identified as core nodes influencing coping patterns.
• Central nodes in aggressive behavior networks included Anger (items 4, 6), Physical Aggression (item 9), and Hostility (item 6).
• The hostility dimension emerged as a critical bridging node, mediating the relationship between coping styles and aggressive behavior.

Conclusions:

• Coping styles indirectly influence aggressive behavior, primarily through the hostility dimension.
• Interventions should focus on strengthening positive coping strategies and reducing negative coping and hostility.
• Findings offer a practical framework for college mental health programs to prevent and reduce student aggression.