Study of aggression related to coping, self-appreciation and social support among adolescents
Abstract
The goal of our study is to identify possible sources of aggressivity, such as the self-appreciation and modalities of coping used by the teenage participants. Our analysis refers to gender, self-image, coping modalities) and social variables (differences of support, class) of the surveyed teenagers. The used instruments were: Anger Expression Scale (Spielberger et al, 1985); Ways of Coping Scale (Lazarus & Folkman, 1985); Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg 1965). The participants were 447 students of 11th and 12th grade, with a mean age of 17,4 years old. The results show a significant correlation between the level of self-appreciation, modalities of coping and level of aggressive expression. The inward or outward orientation of aggression shows differences depending on the subject’s gender. Self-appreciation is more positive among boys and is strongly related to the expression of aggression and used coping modalities. There is also evidence of significant interaction between suppressed anger and self appreciation. Inwardly expressed anger was more associated with avoidant coping, and outwardly expressed anger with planful problem – solving, distancing and self-controlling. The offensive actions and type of study also show noteworthy interactions. Analysis of variance suggested that easier anger expression is indicative of the occurrence of hostile acts in the last six months. The general manifestation of anger and the outwardly expressed anger considerably interact with differences of the social support from their fathers perceived by our participants. The support of mothers was especially significantly related to suppressed anger.
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