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Relationship between perceived school climate and adolescent aggressive behavior: a moderated mediation model.
Liying Wen1,2, Fei He1,2, Yongzhi Jiang1,2
1Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, School of Educational Science, Tongliao, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Positive school climate and strong friendships reduce adolescent aggression. Psychological resilience further protects students by mitigating negative influences, highlighting a multi-faceted approach to behavioral well-being.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescent aggressive behavior is a significant concern influenced by environmental and interpersonal factors.
- Understanding the interplay between school climate, friendships, and individual resilience is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of perceived school climate on adolescent aggressive behavior.
- To investigate the mediating role of friendship quality and the moderating role of psychological resilience in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 4991 students (aged 8-20) from primary, middle, and high schools in Inner Mongolia, China.
- Utilized self-report questionnaires measuring perceived school climate, aggressive behavior, friendship quality, and psychological resilience.
Main Results:
- Perceived school climate, friendship quality, and psychological resilience were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with aggressive behavior.
- Friendship quality significantly mediated the link between school climate and aggression.
- Psychological resilience moderated the effects of school climate and friendship quality on aggressive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Perceived school climate impacts adolescent aggression directly and indirectly via friendship quality.
- Psychological resilience acts as a protective factor, buffering negative associations.
- The study integrates environmental, interpersonal, and individual factors, offering insights from a unique regional context.
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