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

Abstract

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.

The role of emotional intelligence and negative affect as protective and risk factors of aggressive behavior: A moderated mediation model

“…In contrast, the moderated mediation effect was not found for verbal aggression. This result is not surprising given that previous studies have shown a weaker or even null relationship between this kind of aggression and emotional regulation abilities (García‐Sancho, Salguero & Fernández‐Berrocal, ; Holley, Ewing, Stiver & Bloch, ).…”

Does parental substance use always engender risk for children? Comparing incidence rate ratios of abusive and neglectful behaviors across substance use behavior patterns

“…Alternatively, some uncontrolled factors distinguishing past year users from non-users may better explain the observed relationship between physical abuse frequency and substance use. For example, differences in baseline cognitive functioning, emotional dysregulation, or impulsivity can also interfere with essential neuropsychological functions and associated social information processing that may contribute to aggressive behaviors (Holley, Ewing, Stiver, & Bloch, 2015;Matusiewicz et al, 2013;Tarter et al, 2003).…”

Working Memory With Emotional Distraction in Monolingual and Bilingual Children

“…The inability to properly regulate emotions, or emotional dysregulation, has been shown to underlie a range of maladaptive outcomes including aggressive behavior problems (e.g., Stieben et al, 2007; Lewis et al, 2008; Holley et al, 2017) and academic underachievement (e.g., Hawkins et al, 1999; Gumora and Arsenio, 2002; Djambazova-Popordanoska, 2016) in children. Although the past several decades have seen a steady increase in research investigating the consequences of maladaptive ER, factors that promote the development of adaptive ER remain poorly understood.…”