Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the
anticipatory role of self-censure in regulating aggressive
actions as proposed in Bandura’s social cognitive theory.
Association between aggressive behaviour, normative
beliefs about aggression and self-censure was examined in a
sample of adolescents girls and boys (N=118). Normative
beliefs with their sub-types (extreme retaliation, justified
retaliation, general aggression) were significantly and
positively associated with aggressive behaviour confirming
earlier research. Self-censure was significantly and
negatively associated with retaliation beliefs as well as
aggressive behaviour indicating that higher the beliefs about
aggression and aggressive behaviour lower the feelings of
self-criticism for one’s aggression. Mediation analysis were
carried to test the hypothesis that effect of beliefs on
aggressive behaviour was mediated through self-censure.
Self-censure mediated effect of excessive retaliation beliefs
on aggressive behaviour but did not mediate the effect of
equal retaliation beliefs on aggressive behaviour. Females
reported more self-censure than males and reported
significantly lower frequency than males for certain types
of aggressive acts such as hitting, slapping and swearing.
Self-censure mediated sex differences in these specific acts.
The findings are discussed with their theoretical and
practical implications
Naumana Amjad, Martin Skinner. (2008) Normative Beliefs about Aggression and Retaliation: Association with Aggressive Behaviour and Anticipatory Self-censure , Journal of Behavioural Sciences, Volume 18, Issue 1-2.
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