Abstract

MESTRE, Vicenta et al. Emotions, Coping Style and Aggression during Adolescence. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.4, pp.1263-1275. ISSN 1657-9267.

This study assesses the relation between coping strategies and emotions to know to what extend these are processes related to aggressive behavior. We assume that the aggression influence coping mechanisms in solving problems and handling of emotions: emotional instability (lack of self-control in stressful situations) or empathy (feelings faced to "other" who has a problem or need). A sample of 1.557 boys and girls, with an age range of 12-15 years, enrolled in first-cycle of Compulsory Secondary Education in 36 Scholar Centers in the Valencian Community, randomly selected, was evaluated. The results indicate clear differences between high and low aggression and coping mechanisms that they use. More aggressive adolescents used to a greater extent an unproductive coping, while less aggressive adolescents apply strategies more focused on solving the problem. In all structural equation models, the direct effect of emotional instability and empathy on aggression is significant, always positive in first case but negative in the second one. Besides, empathy promotes coping centered on the resolution of the problem whereas emotional instability is positively related to unproductive coping and this one with aggression.

Keywords : Emotions; Coping Style; Aggression; Adolescence; Resolution of problems; Development Psychology; Quantitative Research.

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