The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation, Executive Functioning, and Aggressive Behaviors

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 1692-1707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Holley ◽  
Scott T. Ewing ◽  
Jordan T. Stiver ◽  
Lian Bloch
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Executive Functioning Deficits ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Emotion regulation deficits and executive functioning deficits have independently been shown to increase vulnerability toward engaging in aggressive behaviors. The effects of these risk factors, however, have not been evaluated in relation to one another. This study evaluated the degree to which each was associated with aggressive behaviors in a sample of 168 undergraduate students. Executive functioning (cognitive inhibition and mental flexibility) was assessed with a Stroop-like neuropsychological task. Emotion regulation and aggressive behaviors were assessed via self-report inventories. Results showed main effects for both emotion regulation and executive functioning, as well as a significant interaction, indicating that those who scored lowest in both domains reported engaging in aggressive behaviors the most frequently. When different types of aggression were examined, this interaction was only significant for acts of physical aggression, not for acts of verbal aggression. Therefore, for physical aggression, emotion regulation and executive functioning exerted a moderating effect on one another. The implications are that, at least for acts of physical aggression, relatively strong capabilities in either domain may buffer against tendencies to engage in aggressive behaviors. Thus, both emotion regulation skills and executive functioning abilities may be valuable targets for interventions aiming to reduce aggressive behaviors.

Coping Style as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Deliberate Self-Harm

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison S. Christian ◽  
Kristen M. McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Deliberate Self Harm ◽  
Self Blame ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) occurs with high frequency among clinical and nonclinical youth populations. Although depression has been consistently linked with the behavior, not all depressed individuals engage in DSH. Aims: The current study examined maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., self-blame, distancing, and self-isolation) as mediators between depression and DSH among undergraduate students. Methods: 202 students from undergraduate psychology courses at a private university in Southern California (77.7% women) completed anonymous self-report measures. Results: A hierarchical regression model found no differences in DSH history across demographic variables. Among coping variables, self-isolation alone was significantly related to DSH. A full meditational model was supported: Depressive symptoms were significantly related to DSH, but adding self-isolation to the model rendered the relationship nonsignificant. Limitations: The cross-sectional study design prevents determination of whether a casual relation exists between self-isolation and DSH, and obscures the direction of that relationship. Conclusions: Results suggest targeting self-isolation as a means of DSH prevention and intervention among nonclinical, youth populations.

Tendency to Conform: A New Measure and its Relationship to Psychological Reactance

2005 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald E. Goldsmith ◽  
Ronald A. Clark ◽  
Barbara A. Lafferty
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Psychological Reactance ◽  
Self Report ◽  
The Relationship

This study assessed the relationship between two important constructs in social psychology, conformity and psychological reactance, which are suggested to be negatively related, i.e., a person higher in the tendency to conform will score lower on psychological reactance and vice versa. The two constructs were measured by multi-item self-report scales, the Therapeutic Reactance Scale of Dowd, et al. and a new tendency to conform scale constructed for this study. Data from a survey of 423 undergraduate students were used to test the hypothesis that scores on the scales were negatively correlated. The hypothesized relationship was positively supported by a significant but only moderately sized correlation ( r = -.32, p < .001).

scholarly journals Applying a Modified Version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Predict Reactive Physical Aggression Between Undergraduate Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Newman
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Aggressive Behaviour ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behaviour ◽  
Implicit Attitudes ◽  
Planned Behaviour ◽  
Tpb Model ◽  
The Impact

The current dissertation applied a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict reactive physical aggression between university students. In addition to examining the primary constructs of the traditional TPB model (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions), this dissertation extended the traditional model by also examining the impact of implicit attitudes toward aggression as well as executive functioning in the prediction of reactive physical aggression. Results provided support for the application of the traditional TPB model in the prediction of reactive physical aggression, although implicit attitudes and executive functioning did not significantly contribute to the prediction of aggressive behaviour in this sample. Gaining a better understanding of the predictors of reactive physical aggression between university students may lead to the identification of early intervention strategies for individual aggressors. This may in turn help to prevent the possible escalation of aggressive behaviour and create a safer and less threatening campus environment for all students.

Relationship Satisfaction Mediates the Link Between Partner Aggression and Relationship Dissolution

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1187-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Curtis ◽  
Norman B. Epstein ◽  
Brandan Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Psychological Aggression ◽  
Relationship Dissolution ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Partner Aggression ◽  
Secondary Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

Physically and psychologically aggressive behaviors between members of a couple often lead to relationship dissatisfaction and dissolution. The current study utilized data from 346 clinical couples to investigate associations between psychological and moderate physical aggression and relationship dissolution, and whether relationship satisfaction acts as a mediator of these associations. Results from two series of Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) were considered in which cases of severe aggression were initially removed from the analytic sample and then were included for secondary analyses. The first series of models showed that dyadic physical aggression was a weak predictor of the male partner’s steps taken to leave the relationship and was not associated with the female’s steps. Dyadic psychological aggression, however, was related to steps taken toward leaving by both partners, accounting for approximately 14% of the variance. Relationship satisfaction mediated associations between physical and psychological partner aggression and steps taken to leave. Findings from the second series of models, including cases of severe aggression, showed a significant association between dyadic physical aggression and the female’s steps toward leaving. Moreover, relationship satisfaction no longer fully mediated associations between psychological or physical aggression and relationship dissolution risk. The importance of considering severity of physical partner aggression in research and clinical practice is discussed.

Examining Ethnic Differences in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Emotional Adjustment

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucille Fay Ling
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Emotional Adjustment ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Eastern Cultures ◽  
High Standards ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Level Of Acculturation

Perfectionists are people who set excessively high standards for their own performance, adhere to these standards rigidly, and define their self ­worth in terms of achieving these standards. Research has shown that perfectionism is linked with emotional and psychological maladjustment. This study is aimed at examining potential differences in perfectionism and emotional adjustment across two ethnic groups: Caucasian and Asian. Previous literature has shown that Eastern cultures are more self ­criticizing than Western cultures, thus we may expect to see differences in perfectionism across these two cultures. Also, researchers have found that individuals from Eastern cultures may manifest depression in physical symptoms (e.g., headaches) while individuals from Western cultures may express depression in more emotional symptoms (eg, sadness). Thus, differences in how Asians and Caucasians express their emotional maladjustment will be examined. Finally, acculturation may be an important factor because perfectionism in a Western context may have more adverse consequences than in an Eastern context. Method:Asian and Caucasian undergraduate students completed self ­report measures of perfectionism, emotional adjustment, and acculturation. Expected results: First, we expect that Asians will score higher than Caucasians on perfectionism measures. Secondly, there will be a positive correlation between perfectionism and poor emotional adjustment. Thirdly, emotional adjustment will be expressed more physically in Asians and more emotionally in Caucasians. Finally, within the Asian group, level of acculturation will moderate the relationship between perfectionism and emotional maladjustment. Discussion: These results will be discussed in terms of how perfectionism is conceptualized, assessed, and treated.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Health, and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
Kristine Klussman ◽  
Julia Langer ◽  
Austin Lee Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Activity Intensity ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract. Background: Most people are comfortable asserting the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health and well-being. However, little research has examined how different types of physical activity affect these outcomes. Aims: The current study sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential relationships between different types of physical activity and various aspects of health and well-being. In addition, we sought to understand the role of self-connection in these relationships. Method: One hundred forty-three participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure their current weekly activity as well as their current health and well-being. Specifically, we examined three intensities of activity (walking, moderate, and vigorous) and three types of activity (team-based, community-based, and not team nor community-based) on self-reported health, anxiety, depression, affect, flourishing, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and meaning in life. In addition, we examined self-connection as a possible moderator of these relationships. Results: Results suggested that physical activity was inconsistently related to health and well-being, and activity intensity and type were important to understanding these relationships. In contrast, self-connection reliably related to health and well-being and moderated the relationship between activity type and the presence of meaning. Limitations: The cross-sectional, self-report nature of the study limits its contribution. In addition, we only examined a subset of all physical activities that people engage in. Conclusion: In all, results suggest that the relationships between physical activity, mental health, and well-being are tenuous, at best. Future research needs to examine these relationships further and continue to examine self-connection to determine how to best increase health and well-being through physical activity.

scholarly journals A-146 A Comparison of Neuropsychological Assessment Results and Self-Reported Cognitive Deficits in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients with Variable Neurocognitive Impairment Severity

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 940-940
Author(s):  
Coddaire K ◽  
Peyton L ◽  
Powell J ◽  
Virden T
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Neurocognitive Deficits ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the relationship between symptom self-report accuracy and objective cognitive functioning in multiple cognitive domains for varying neurocognitive impairment (NCI) subsequent to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Specifically, the discrepancy between self-report and objective findings among participants with mild, moderate, and severe NCI was examined within the cognitive domains of Attention, Executive Functioning, Learning/Memory, and Speech/Language. Method The sample included archival data consisting of neuropsychological scores and self-reported Ruff Neurobehavioral Inventory (RNBI) results of 135 adult TBI patients with mild, moderate, or severe NCI who received neuropsychological assessment at a private practice. Patients were grouped based on level of impairment using Halstead Impairment Index criteria. Results No main effect was found for Attention. Patients with severe NCI had greater discrepancies in Executive Functioning (p = 0.015), Learning/Memory (p = 0.015), and Speech/Language (p &lt; 0.001) function, when compared to those with mild NCI. Additionally, patients with severe NCI demonstrated greater discrepancies in Speech/Language (p &lt; 0.001) function when compared to those with moderate NCI. Conclusion These findings indicate as severity of neurocognitive impairment increases for TBI patients, self-reported cognitive symptomatology—specifically executive functioning, learning/memory, and speech/language—will become less accurate. Clinically, these findings suggest that when working with patients who have severe neurocognitive deficits subsequent to TBI, it is important to consider objective testing as self-reporting may not be accurate. Understanding patient’s genuine deficits will foster patient awareness and acceptance of TBI-related cognitive deficits with increased investment in treatment and improved neurorehabilitation outcomes.

Executive Functioning Outcomes Over 6 Months of Atomoxetine for Adults With ADHD: Relationship to Maintenance of Response and Relapse Over the Subsequent 6 Months After Treatment

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenard A. Adler ◽  
Mary Solanto ◽  
Rodrigo Escobar ◽  
Sarah Lipsius ◽  
Himanshu Upadhyaya
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Behavior Rating Inventory ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Controlled Clinical Study

Objective: This study examines the relationship between maintenance of improved executive functioning (EF) in adults with ADHD with long-term symptom improvement with atomoxetine. Method: Data were collected from a yearlong, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on adult patients with ADHD receiving atomoxetine (80-100 mg/day) for 24 weeks. Patients were then randomized to continue atomoxetine or placebo for 6 months. Executive functioning was rated with Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version: Self-Report™ (BRIEF-A: Self-Report™), and the T-scores were determined. Results: Postrandomization T-scores for atomoxetine patients were significantly better than those of placebo patients (3 and 6 months postrandomization). Patients with greater improvements in EF were more likely to show worsening of EF and to relapse after atomoxetine discontinuation. The maintenance of improved EF was significantly associated with improved ADHD symptoms (Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Investigator Rated: Screening Version [CAARS-Inv:SV] with adult prompts). Conclusion: Treatment with atomoxetine improved EF during the treatment phases. Improved EF was maintained up to 6 months after discontinuation of atomoxetine.

scholarly journals Perceived Discrimination and Motivation to Pursue Higher Education in Ethiopian-Origin Students: The Moderating Role of Ethnic Identity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ortal Slobodin ◽  
Tamar Icekson ◽  
Lee Herman ◽  
Ofri Vaknin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Perceived Discrimination ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Career Motivation ◽  
Personal Career ◽  
The Relationship

Research has increasingly recognized the adverse effects of perceived discrimination on the academic outcomes of children and adolescents from ethnic and racial minority backgrounds. However, little is known about the association between perceived discrimination and the motivation of ethnic minority students to pursue higher education. Guided by an academic resilience framework, the current study examined the relationship between perceived discrimination and two types of motivation to pursue higher education (personal/career-driven and expectation-driven) among Ethiopian undergraduate students in Israel. In addition, we examined the role of ethnic identity as a potential moderator of this relationship. Participants were 183 undergraduate students of Ethiopian origin (77% females) who studied in 18 different higher-education institutes. Participants completed self-report questionnaires concerning their experiences of perceived discrimination, affiliation with their Ethiopian identity, and their reasons for pursuing higher education. Results showed that frequent discrimination experiences were positively related to a stronger ethnic identity and to higher levels of personal/career motivation to pursue higher education. Ethnic identity moderated the relationship between perceived discrimination and personal/career motivation so that the association was significant under low and moderate levels of ethnic identity but not under high levels. Our findings suggest that the awareness of discrimination may motivate students to pursue higher education and succeed in academia. However, the motivating force of perceived discrimination diminishes under high levels of ethnic identification. Further investigation is needed to explore how discrimination and ethnic identity work together to impact academic motivation in different developmental stages and socio-cultural contexts.

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