Twelve weeks of self‐control training does not reduce aggression

Abstract

AbstractSelf‐control training (SCT) is a method of practicing self‐controlled behavior in one domain that enhances self‐controlled behavior in additional domains. We investigated whether 4 and 12 weeks of practicing self‐control would improve control over aggressive behavior. Relative to the active control group, SCT did not reduce aggression regardless of the training duration. We also did not find supportive evidence to suggest that theoretically relevant variables mediated or moderated the effects of SCT on aggression over time. Bayesian analyses showed greater support for the null hypotheses than the alternative hypothesis. Our experiment casts doubt on the long‐term effectiveness of using SCT for reducing reactive aggression. Additional research is necessary to identify the conditions under which SCT is most likely to facilitate control over aggressive behavior.