Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Acquiescence (Psychology); Aggressiveness; Neuroticism; Academic theses;
Abstract
Past studies on aggression have typically focused on physical aggression (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995). Recently, however, researchers have started to look at a subtle form of aggression known as relational aggression (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995). There have also been few studies that have focused on perceptions of aggression, as well as the personality traits that may be associated with these perceptions. Thus, the current study was designed to explore the relationship between personality characteristics, specifically agreeableness and neuroticism, and perceptions of aggression. The relationship between the levels of aggression and perceptions of aggression was also examined. Four questionnaires were utilized to obtain information about perceptions of physical and relational aggression, the levels of physical and relational aggression, and personality characteristics. It was expected that there would be a negative association between neuroticism and perceptions of harmfulness and aggressiveness for physical and relational aggression, and a positive association between agreeableness and perceptions of harmfulness and aggressiveness for both forms of aggression. It was also expected that individuals with more positive perceptions of aggression will be more likely to report higher levels of aggressive behavior. Contrary to what was expected, individuals with higher levels of neuroticism rated physical aggression as more harmful and aggressive, but neuroticism was not associated with ratings of harmfulness and aggressiveness for relational aggression. However, as expected, individuals with higher levels of agreeableness rated physical aggression as more harmful and aggressive. Agreeableness, however, was not associated with ratings of harmfulness and aggressiveness for relational aggression. Further, levels of physical and relational aggression were not associated with ratings of harmfulness and aggressiveness for either form of aggression. This study extended past research by increasing our understanding of physical and relational aggression in young adults, as well as revealing more about the personality traits and perceptions that are associated with aggression. Future studies should continue to explore how individuals perceive aggressive behaviors, as well as gain knowledge about the personality traits that may be associated with these behaviors. These studies should also focus on the development of intervention programs designed to reduce physical and relational aggression.
Year of Submission
2010
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Sunde Nesbit
Second Advisor
John Williams
Third Advisor
Mary Losch
Date Original
2010
Object Description
1 PDF file (94 leaves)
Copyright
©2010 Ashley Alexandra Buol
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Buol, Ashley Alexandra, "The Relationship Between Aggression and Measures of Neuroticism and Agreeableness in College Students" (2010). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2246.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2246
Comments
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