Psychology

Emotional skillfulness as a key mediator of aggression

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Psychological research has documented several predictors of aggression, including adherence to hegemonic masculinity, trauma symptoms, and insecure attachment. However, at present, little is known about why these variables predict aggression. This study used acceptance theory to introduce the concept of emotional skillfulness as a counterpoint to emotion dysregulation. In an effort to better understand the pathways through which these variables predict aggression, this study used a clinical sample to test three mediational models which hold that emotional skillfulness functions as a common link between the aforementioned predictors and aggression in both men and women. Results indicated that emotional skillfulness is a mediator of aggression for both men and women, but that the predictors of aggression differed by gender.

Publication Title

Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma

Publication Date

4-1-2009

Volume

18

Issue

3

First Page

221

Last Page

247

ISSN

1092-6771

DOI

10.1080/10926770902809811

Keywords

aggression, emotion dysregulation, emotional skills, masculinity, trauma

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