Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Jacquin, Kristine M.

Committee Member

Giesen, J. Martin

Committee Member

Armstrong, Kevin J.

Date of Degree

5-1-2010

Original embargo terms

MSU Only Indefintely

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of childhood exposure to violence and adult aggressive behavior. Researchers have studied this relationship and consequences resulting from high violence exposure, but have not examined protective factors that may reduce negative consequences. Likewise, no one had examined the possible protective factors of self-monitoring, concern for appropriateness, and social support. A total of 1,307 college students completed an online survey assessing childhood exposure to violence, adult aggression, social support, and self-monitoring. Despite the lack of significance for the mediation model, social support, concern for appropriateness, and self-monitoring were all significant moderators in the relationship of exposure to violence and adult aggression. Together, childhood exposure to violence, social support, and concern for appropriateness accounted for 33% of the variance in adult aggression. These findings suggest that less childhood exposure to violence, lower concern for appropriateness, and more social support decrease the risk of aggression in college students.

Download

Share

COinS