scholarly journals Laboratory aggression and personality traits: A meta-analytic review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtland Hyatt ◽  
Amos Zeichner ◽  
Josh Miller

Among operationalizations of aggression, laboratory paradigms are unique in that they permit precise measurement of aggression while controlling for many possible confounds (e.g., levels of provocation). In the current undertaking, we conducted a meta-analysis of the relations between laboratory aggression and trait-based personality constructs thought to be among the most robust and consistent predictors of lab aggression, including traits from the predominant model of general personality (Big Five/Five Factor Model [FFM]), as well as personality disorder constructs including psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. Our search yielded 54 usable studies containing 123 effect sizes. Random-effects models suggest that psychopathy, narcissism, sadism, and low FFM Agreeableness are significant predictors of laboratory aggression with small to moderate effect sizes. Impulsivity and FFM Openness also showed significant relations, though they were smaller in magnitude. Thus, traits related to aggression outside of the laboratory also appear to be related to aggression in the laboratory. Suggestions are made for future research in this area, including an emphasis on causal mechanisms and methodological rigor.

2019 ◽  
pp. 135910531988459
Author(s):  
Urszula Barańczuk

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the big five personality traits and sense of coherence. Data for the meta-analysis were collected from 19 studies which included 24 independent samples, 133 effect sizes, and 19,960 participants. Lower neuroticism and higher extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with total sense of coherence as well as comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness, and reflection dimensions. Personality traits were not linked to balance. There were no moderating effects on these relationships. The study extends current knowledge on the associations between personality traits and sense of coherence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 412-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea L Ratcliff ◽  
Ye Sun

Abstract To understand the mechanisms underlying narrative persuasion, a growing body of theoretical and empirical work suggests that narratives reduce audience resistance, possibly via narrative engagement. To synthesize this research, we performed a two-part meta-analysis using three-level random-effects models. Part I focused on experimental studies that directly compared narratives and non-narratives on resistance. Based on 15 effect sizes from nine experimental studies, the overall effect size was d = −.213 (equivalent r = −.107; p < .001), suggesting that narratives generated less resistance than non-narratives. Part II was a synthesis of studies of the relationship between narrative engagement and resistance, consisting of 63 effect sizes from 25 studies. Narrative engagement and resistance were negatively correlated (r = −.131; p < .001), and this relationship was moderated by narrative message characteristics, including genre, length, medium, and character unit. Implications of our findings and directions for future research are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtland S. Hyatt ◽  
Emily S. Hallowell ◽  
Max M. Owens ◽  
Brandon M. Weiss ◽  
Lawrence H. Sweet ◽  
...  

Abstract Quantitative models of psychopathology (i.e., HiTOP) propose that personality and psychopathology are intertwined, such that the various processes that characterize personality traits may be useful in describing and predicting manifestations of psychopathology. In the current study, we used data from the Human Connectome Project (N = 1050) to investigate neural activation following receipt of a reward during an fMRI task as one shared mechanism that may be related to the personality trait Extraversion (specifically its sub-component Agentic Extraversion) and internalizing psychopathology. We also conducted exploratory analyses on the links between neural activation following reward receipt and the other Five-Factor Model personality traits, as well as separate analyses by gender. No significant relations (p < .005) were observed between any personality trait or index of psychopathology and neural activation following reward receipt, and most effect sizes were null to very small in nature (i.e., r < |.05|). We conclude by discussing the appropriate interpretation of these null findings, and provide suggestions for future research that spans psychological and neurobiological levels of analysis.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L Crowe ◽  
Donald Lynam ◽  
William Keith Campbell ◽  
Josh Miller

Objective: Despite decades of work on narcissism there remain many active areas of exploration and debate including a clear and consensual description of its underlying components. Understanding narcissism’s factor structure is necessary for precise measurement and investigation of specific psychological and behavioral processes. The aim of the current study was to explore the structure of narcissism by examining it at varying hierarchical levels. Method: Participants recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (N = 591) completed 303 narcissism items encompassing 46 narcissism scales and subscales. Criterion variables measuring the Five Factor Model, self-esteem, aggression, and externalizing behavior were also collected. Results: A series of factor analyses reveal the factor structure of narcissism at a range of specificities. No more than five meaningful factors (i.e., Grandiosity, Neuroticism, Antagonism, Distrustful Self-reliance, Attention-seeking) were identified and the most parsimonious model appears to be a three-factor structure. Narcissism scales that effectively capture each of the identified factors are identified. Factors diverged in their associations with criterion variables. Conclusions: A three-factor model (i.e., Agentic Extraversion, Narcissistic Neuroticism, Self-centered Antagonism) seems to be the most parsimonious conceptualization. Larger factor solutions are discussed, but future research will be necessary to determine the value of these increasingly narrow factors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 754-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Fitton ◽  
Rongqin Yu ◽  
Seena Fazel

The risk of violence following childhood maltreatment is uncertain. This meta-analytic review identified prospective studies that have examined this association. We systematically searched three electronic databases (PsycINFO, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) and completed a targeted search on Google Scholar. These were supplemented with scanning reference lists and correspondence with authors. We considered non-English-language and unpublished studies. Studies were included if childhood maltreatment was measured before age 18 years and occurred before violent outcomes. We identified 18 eligible studies with data on 39,271 participants. We conducted meta-analysis to calculate odds ratios ( ORs) using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The overall OR of violent outcomes in childhood maltreatment was 1.8 (95% confidence interval [1.4, 2.3]) with substantial heterogeneity ( I2 = 92%). Meta-regression suggested that risk of violence following childhood maltreatment was more elevated in samples with higher percentage of females, in higher quality investigations, in studies with case-linkage methods compared to that followed-up participants over time using a prospective cohort design, when general population or matched controls were used rather than selected population controls, and when violent outcomes were ascertained in older individuals. In conclusion, the risk of later violence perpetration was modestly increased in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment. Preventative strategies and interventions for childhood maltreatment may have an important role in violence reduction. Methodological issues and recommendations for future research are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheri Madigan ◽  
Chantal Cyr ◽  
Rachel Eirich ◽  
R. M. Pasco Fearon ◽  
Anh Ly ◽  
...  

AbstractIt has long been claimed that “maltreatment begets maltreatment,” that is, a parent's history of maltreatment increases the risk that his or her child will also suffer maltreatment. However, significant methodological concerns have been raised regarding evidence supporting this assertion, with some arguing that the association weakens in samples with higher methodological rigor. In the current study, the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment hypothesis is examined in 142 studies (149 samples; 227,918 dyads) that underwent a methodological quality review, as well as data extraction on a number of potential moderator variables. Results reveal a modest association of intergenerational maltreatment (k= 80;d= 0.45, 95% confidence interval; CI [0.37, 0.54]). Support for the intergenerational transmission of specific maltreatment types was also observed (neglect:k= 13,d= 0.24, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37]; physical abuse:k= 61,d= 0.41, 95% CI [0.33, 0.49]; emotional abuse:k= 18,d= 0.57, 95% CI [0.43, 0.71]; sexual abuse:k= 18,d= 0.39, 95% CI [0.24, 0.55]). Methodological quality only emerged as a significant moderator of the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, with a weakening of effect sizes as methodological rigor increased. Evidence from this meta-analysis confirms the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis, although effect sizes were modest. Future research should focus on deepening understanding of mechanisms of transmission, as well as identifying protective factors that can effectively break the cycle of maltreatment.


Author(s):  
Urszula Barańczuk

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the Big Five personality traits and generalized self-efficacy. Data for the meta-analysis were collected from 53 studies, which included 60 independent samples, 188 effect sizes, and 28,704 participants. Lower neuroticism and higher extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with greater generalized self-efficacy. Personality traits and generalized self-efficacy measurements, as well as age, moderated the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and generalized self-efficacy. The study extends current knowledge on the associations between personality traits and generalized self-efficacy.


Author(s):  
Boele de Raad ◽  
Boris Mlačić

A dictionary is the tangible repository of the common stock of words, although dictionaries comprise at best 10% of the full lexicon. Part of the lexicon is made up of the words used to describe what people do and what people are like. The psycholexical approach to personality focuses on this subset of words and on its exploitation, or what can be said to be the glossary of personality. This chapter is concerned with the history of the psycholexical approach to personality description, from ancient history to the more recent efforts, albeit focusing in particular on its modern history. Psycholexical taxonomies from around the world will be considered, as well as taxonomies based on nouns, verbs, adverbs, and their combinations. Ongoing controversies, difficulties, and disputes regarding alternative psycholexical personality structures will be considered, as well as recommendations for future research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin M. Smith ◽  
Simon B. Sherry ◽  
Vanja Vidovic ◽  
Donald H. Saklofske ◽  
Joachim Stoeber ◽  
...  

Over 25 years of research suggests an important link between perfectionism and personality traits included in the five-factor model (FFM). However, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and a plethora of perfectionism scales have obscured understanding of how perfectionism fits within the FFM. We addressed these limitations by conducting the first meta-analytic review of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits ( k = 77, N = 24,789). Meta-analysis with random effects revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and discrepancy) were characterized by neuroticism ([Formula: see text] = .50), low agreeableness ([Formula: see text] = −.26), and low extraversion ([Formula: see text] = −.24); perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, and high standards) were characterized by conscientiousness ([Formula: see text] = .44). Additionally, several perfectionism–FFM relationships were moderated by gender, age, and the perfectionism subscale used. Findings complement theory suggesting that perfectionism has neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions. Results also underscore that the (mal)adaptiveness of perfectionistic strivings hinges on instrumentation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 531-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieke Decuyper ◽  
Sarah De Pauw ◽  
Filip De Fruyt ◽  
Marleen De Bolle ◽  
Barbara J. De Clercq

This research meta‐analytically summarizes the relationships of the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) with psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD). Effect sizes of the associations between psychopathy, APD and the FFM were compiled from 26 independent samples (N = 6913) for psychopathy and 57 independent samples (N = 16 424) for APD. The results revealed predominantly points of similarity and some differences in the FFM associations of both disorders. Symptoms of psychopathy and APD were negatively associated with Conscientiousness and Agreeableness facets and positively with scores on Angry–Hostility (N2), Impulsiveness (N5), Excitement Seeking (E5) and negatively with Warmth (E1). Only psychopathy had a small negative association with Anxiety (N1) and was characterized by stronger negative associations with Agreeableness and Straightforwardness (A2), Compliance (A4) and Modesty (A5) compared to APD. The moderator analyses showed that sample type, use of the NEO‐PI‐R and APD instrument moderated the APD FFM associations, while psychopathy instrument and age group were moderators in the psychopathy MA. Implications of this research for the assessment of APD and psychopathy relying on dimensional models of personality pathology are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


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