Resilience and Aggression of Adolescents, Early and Middle-Aged Adults: Analyzing Gender Differences

Abstract

<jats:p>The present study aimed to analyze gender difference in resilience and aggression of three developmental stages (adolescence, early adulthood, and middle adulthood). For this, comparative research design was utilized. Through purposive sampling, 600 participants (Mage = 28.24 years, SD = 12.12) with males and females equal in number; were selected from different regions of Karachi, Pakistan. Participants’ demographic information was collected through Respondent Information Form. Resilience and aggression were measured using The Brief Resilience Scale and Short Form of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, respectively. Data was analyzed through independent samples t-test using SPSS. Results indicated that overall, resilience was significantly higher in males. In adolescence and early adulthood, resilience was higher in males than females, however, in middle adulthood, insignificant gender difference was noted in resilience. Further, overall non-significant gender difference was found in aggression; nevertheless, physical aggression was significantly higher in males, whereas, anger was higher in females. Moreover, insignificant gender difference was also found in aggression concerning the three age groups. This study would help in understanding the role of gender in resilience and aggression in different developmental stages. Additionally, it would assist in developing gender and age specific programs for fostering resilience and managing aggression.&#x0D; Keywords: Gender, Resilience, Aggression, Adolescence, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood</jats:p>

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“…This agrees with precious work indicating that reduced resilience is associated with a decreased ability to manage stress ( Luthar et al, 2000 ). Findings regarding gender differences in resilience are mixed ( Iimura and Taku, 2018 ; Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ). Discrepancies have been attributed to the age of the participants studied ( Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ).…”

“…Findings regarding gender differences in resilience are mixed ( Iimura and Taku, 2018 ; Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ). Discrepancies have been attributed to the age of the participants studied ( Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ). For example, males have been reported to be more resilient during adolescence and early adulthood than females, but differences disappear in older adulthood ( Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ).…”

“…Discrepancies have been attributed to the age of the participants studied ( Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ). For example, males have been reported to be more resilient during adolescence and early adulthood than females, but differences disappear in older adulthood ( Naseem and Munaf, 2020 ). While others report that stress negatively impacts mood ( van Eck et al, 1998 ), it is also the case that negative affect is an important moderator in one's response to stress ( Bolger and Zuckerman, 1995 ).…”