Article Version of Record

Emotional, cognitive and self-enhancement processes in aggressive behavior after interpersonal rejection and exclusion

Author(s) / Creator(s)

Rajchert, Joanna

Abstract / Description

The relationship between exclusion or rejection and aggression is already well documented, but there is still a debate about the mechanisms that underlie this effect. In two studies we focused on the propensity to react aggressively (readiness for aggression) on the bases of emotional, cognitive or self-enhancement (personality-immanent) processes. In both studies we first measured readiness for aggression and then ego-depleted participants. Next, in Study 1 we excluded participants (n = 96) using an online ball throwing game and measured displaced aggressive behavior - intensity and duration of an unpleasant noise administrated to a stranger. In Study 2 participants (n = 140) were rejected by a peer on the basis of an interview that they gave and then could retaliate by reducing peer's chance for getting a job. The results show that exclusion effect on displaced aggression was moderated by cognitive readiness for aggression, while rejection effect on retaliatory aggression was shaped by emotional and personality-immanent readiness for aggression as well as ego-depletion. The results were discussed in light of the strength model of self-control by Baumeister, Vohs, and Tice (2007).

Keyword(s)

exclusion rejection readiness for aggression aggressive behavior

Persistent Identifier

Date of first publication

2015-11-27

Journal title

Europe's Journal of Psychology

Volume

11

Issue

4

Page numbers

707–721

Publisher

PsychOpen GOLD

Publication status

publishedVersion

Review status

peerReviewed

Is version of

Citation

Rajchert, J. (2015). Emotional, cognitive and self-enhancement processes in aggressive behavior after interpersonal rejection and exclusion. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 11(4), 707–721. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v11i4.934
  • Author(s) / Creator(s)
    Rajchert, Joanna
  • PsychArchives acquisition timestamp
    2018-11-21T09:59:33Z
  • Made available on
    2018-11-21T09:59:33Z
  • Date of first publication
    2015-11-27
  • Abstract / Description
    The relationship between exclusion or rejection and aggression is already well documented, but there is still a debate about the mechanisms that underlie this effect. In two studies we focused on the propensity to react aggressively (readiness for aggression) on the bases of emotional, cognitive or self-enhancement (personality-immanent) processes. In both studies we first measured readiness for aggression and then ego-depleted participants. Next, in Study 1 we excluded participants (n = 96) using an online ball throwing game and measured displaced aggressive behavior - intensity and duration of an unpleasant noise administrated to a stranger. In Study 2 participants (n = 140) were rejected by a peer on the basis of an interview that they gave and then could retaliate by reducing peer's chance for getting a job. The results show that exclusion effect on displaced aggression was moderated by cognitive readiness for aggression, while rejection effect on retaliatory aggression was shaped by emotional and personality-immanent readiness for aggression as well as ego-depletion. The results were discussed in light of the strength model of self-control by Baumeister, Vohs, and Tice (2007).
    en_US
  • Publication status
    publishedVersion
  • Review status
    peerReviewed
  • Citation
    Rajchert, J. (2015). Emotional, cognitive and self-enhancement processes in aggressive behavior after interpersonal rejection and exclusion. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 11(4), 707–721. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v11i4.934
  • ISSN
    1841-0413
  • Persistent Identifier
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12034/978
  • Persistent Identifier
    https://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.1170
  • Language of content
    eng
  • Publisher
    PsychOpen GOLD
  • Is version of
    https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v11i4.934
  • Keyword(s)
    exclusion
    en_US
  • Keyword(s)
    rejection
    en_US
  • Keyword(s)
    readiness for aggression
    en_US
  • Keyword(s)
    aggressive behavior
    en_US
  • Dewey Decimal Classification number(s)
    150
  • Title
    Emotional, cognitive and self-enhancement processes in aggressive behavior after interpersonal rejection and exclusion
    en_US
  • DRO type
    article
  • Issue
    4
  • Journal title
    Europe's Journal of Psychology
  • Page numbers
    707–721
  • Volume
    11
  • Visible tag(s)
    Version of Record