You hurt me, i'll hurt you: the prediction of aggression based on the interaction between an ego threat, fragile high self-esteem, and narcissistic traits

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Stephanie Skinner (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Rosemery Nelson-Gray

Abstract: Previous research has produced inconsistent findings in terms of how self-esteem relates to aggressive behavior. Some studies have found that high self-esteem predicts aggression while others have found that low self-esteem predicts aggression. The present study sought to clarify the discrepancies in the literature. It was hypothesized that the interaction between an ego threat and fragile high self-esteem would account for significant variance in aggressive behavior over-and-above the component main effect. Additionally, it was hypothesized that the interaction of high explicit and low implicit self-esteem would account for significant variance in narcissistic traits over-and-above the component main effects. Finally, it was hypothesized that the interaction between an ego threat and narcissistic traits would account for significant variance in aggressive behavior over-and-above the component main effect. One hundred eighteen undergraduate participants completed questionnaires and the other aspects of the study that assessed self-esteem, narcissistic traits, and aggression. Results failed to support the hypotheses regarding the interactions between an ego-threat, fragile high self-esteem, and narcissistic traits. However, consistent with previous research, main effects results indicated that participants with high levels of explicit self-esteem were more aggressive and reported more narcissistic traits than participants with low explicit self-esteem. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Aggressive behavior, Narcissistic traits, High Self-Esteem, Ego
Subjects
Self-esteem
Aggressiveness
Narcissism

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