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Social-cognitive influences on change in aggression over time
S K Egan1, T C Monson, D G Perry
1Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton 33431, USA.
Developmental Psychology
|October 21, 1998
Summary
Social cognitions influence aggressive behavior development in children. However, this effect depends on the child's sex and prior aggression or victimization levels, highlighting environmental influences.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Social cognitions are theorized to influence aggressive behavior.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the developmental trajectory of aggression.
- The interplay between cognitions, behavior, and environmental factors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if social cognitions predict changes in aggressive habits over time.
- To examine the moderating roles of child sex, initial aggression, and victimization.
- To understand how environmental interactions shape the influence of cognitions on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with 189 children (3rd-7th grade).
- Data collection on social cognitions and behaviors in fall and spring.
- Statistical analysis to assess predictive relationships and moderation effects.
Main Results:
- Aggression-promoting cognitions in the fall predicted increased aggression by spring.
- This relationship was significantly moderated by child sex.
- Initial levels of aggression and victimization also critically influenced the cognition-aggression link.
Conclusions:
- Social cognitions can forecast changes in aggressive behavior.
- The impact of cognitions is contingent on individual differences (sex, prior behavior) and social context.
- Cognitions guide behavior development when social environments support their use.
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