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Inhibition of Emotions as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Victimization Experiences and Aggression in Preadolescence

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Date Issued:
2015
Abstract/Description:
Chronic victimization by peers sometimes fosters aggression in children (Dodge, 2011; Hodges & Perry, 1999). Recent data suggest that cross-gender victimization is more common in girls during middle childhood (Benbenishty, & Astor, 2005). That is, girls are picked on by boys at a proportionally higher rate than boys are picked on by girls. However, the possibility that enduring cognitive structures moderate effects of victimization on aggression—by serving as processing filters through which children perceive, interpret, and respond to the adverse experiences—remains unexplored. In this study, we assessed whether victimization experiences at the hands of the other sex increased aggression over the school year. We measured peer-nominated aggression toward the other sex and victimization by the other sex in 195 children (94 girls, 101 boys; M age 10.1 years). We also examined self-reported inhibition of emotions as a possible moderator. Results suggest that aggression did not increase over time if boys were victimized by other boys, but the more that boys were victimized by girls, the more their aggression increased girls’ aggression was unaffected by victimization by peers of either sex as a main effect. However, inhibition of emotions moderated the effect of victimization on aggression in both sexes. Thus, the experience of being victimized by the other sex led to an increase in aggression toward the other sex only when inhibition of emotions was high, rather than low. These findings highlight the importance of examining interactive models that contribute to aggression in children.
Title: Inhibition of Emotions as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Victimization Experiences and Aggression in Preadolescence.
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Name(s): Aults, Christopher D.
Pauletti, Rachel E.
Cooper, Patrick J.
Graduate College
Perry, David G.
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Poster
Date Created: 2015
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Chronic victimization by peers sometimes fosters aggression in children (Dodge, 2011; Hodges & Perry, 1999). Recent data suggest that cross-gender victimization is more common in girls during middle childhood (Benbenishty, & Astor, 2005). That is, girls are picked on by boys at a proportionally higher rate than boys are picked on by girls. However, the possibility that enduring cognitive structures moderate effects of victimization on aggression—by serving as processing filters through which children perceive, interpret, and respond to the adverse experiences—remains unexplored. In this study, we assessed whether victimization experiences at the hands of the other sex increased aggression over the school year. We measured peer-nominated aggression toward the other sex and victimization by the other sex in 195 children (94 girls, 101 boys; M age 10.1 years). We also examined self-reported inhibition of emotions as a possible moderator. Results suggest that aggression did not increase over time if boys were victimized by other boys, but the more that boys were victimized by girls, the more their aggression increased girls’ aggression was unaffected by victimization by peers of either sex as a main effect. However, inhibition of emotions moderated the effect of victimization on aggression in both sexes. Thus, the experience of being victimized by the other sex led to an increase in aggression toward the other sex only when inhibition of emotions was high, rather than low. These findings highlight the importance of examining interactive models that contribute to aggression in children.
Identifier: FA00005868 (IID)
Collection: FAU Student Research Digital Collection
Note(s): The Sixth Annual Graduate Research Day was organized by Florida Atlantic University’s Graduate Student Association. Graduate students from FAU Colleges present abstracts of original research and posters in a competition for monetary prizes, awards, and recognition.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005868
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.