The Relationship of Self-Regulation and Aggression

Abstract

On the basis of personality systems interaction (PSI) theory, the authors examine self-regulation, conflict behaviour, behavioural resources, and personality disorders in a sample of 83 male offenders and explore the role self-regulatory variables play with respect to aggressive behaviour. Although substantial correlations between self-regulatory functions and aggressive behaviour were found, these variables did not predict aggression in a subsequent regression analysis with measures of self-regulation, conflict behaviour, and personality disorders as independent variables. Antisocial behaviour, behavioural self-control, and affect were among the strongest predictors of aggression. Specific predictions based on PSI theory could not be confirmed. Theoretical implications of the findings are discussed and put into relation with treatment issues of offenders.

Current issues in self-regulation research and their significance for therapeutic intervention in offender groups.

“…On a somewhat larger offender sample (n=83), we third explored some specific predictions derived from PSI-theory. Deficient self-regulation was expected to be associated with a failure to down-regulate negative affect once it is aroused and low self-control was expected to be associated with high positive affect (Ross & Fontao, in press). In terms of the relationship between self-regulation and aggression, our results were similar to those in the above mentioned study (Ross & Fontao, 2007).…”

“…Self-regulatory variables did not directly predict aggression. The correlational analysis of the self-regulation variables and two indirect measures of affect (a self-report measure for the capability of a person to restore positive affect once it is dampened [decision-related action orientation], and a measure pertaining to a persons' ability to down-regulate negative affect once it is aroused [failure-elated action orientation]), showed mixed results (for details view Ross & Fontao, in press). Self-regulation was positively related to a good ability to down-regulate negative affect once it is aroused, and both self-inhibition and volitional inhibition were negatively related to down-regulate high negative affect.…”

Bimbingan Kelompok dengan Teknik Self-Instruction untuk Meningkatkan Self-Regulation Siswa

“…Self-regulation yang rendah berkaitan dengan cakupan permasalahan pribadi yang cukup luas, Ross & Fontao (2007) menemukan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara rendahnya self-regulation dengan perilaku agresi. Hasil penelitian lainnya membuktikan bahwa siswa yang memiliki self-regulation rendah mengalami kesulitan dalam mengatur emosi dan perilakunya, sebagai konsekuensinya akan berdampak pada kesulitan dalam belajar serta terbuangnya beberapa keterampilan sosial dan kognitif yang diperlukan dalam mencapai prestasi akademik (Eisenberg et al 2005;Blair et al, 2010).…”