Unique Associations Among Emotion Dysregulation Dimensions and Aggressive Tendencies: A Multisite Study

Violence Vict. 2017 Oct 1;32(5):791-810. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-16-00079. Epub 2017 Aug 15.

Abstract

Although problems with emotion regulation (ER) have long been associated with internalizing symptoms, only recently has an ER framework been applied to the study of aggression. Therefore, little is known about the unique and independent associations between specific domains of the ER construct and different kinds of aggressive tendencies. We sought to explore these associations in two independent samples of young adults. Furthermore, we tested whether gender moderated the proposed emotion dysregulation-aggression link. Our results corroborated the association between emotion dysregulation and aggression in both samples. Specifically, the inability to control impulsive behavior when upset (i.e., negative urgency) was uniquely related to physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. Limited access to ER strategies was also significantly associated with overall aggression and hostility. The effect of negative urgency on physical and verbal aggression was stronger among males than females, although only in one sample.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Midwestern United States
  • Psychological Tests
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Distribution
  • Universities
  • Young Adult