The Relationship Between Dispositional Awe and Reactive Aggression: The Serial Mediation Role of Trait Anger and Self-Control

Abstract

Previous research has shown that state awe will decrease aggressive behavior in individuals and reduce implicit trait aggression. However, hardly any studies have been conducted to show the relationship between individual dispositional awe and reactive aggression as well as the underlying psychological mechanisms. Based on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotion and the expanded model of awe, this study explored the effects of trait anger and self-control on the relationship between dispositional awe predicting reactive aggression. The trait anger, self-control, dispositional awe, and reactive aggression scales were completed by a total of 611 college students who were recruited from universities. The findings demonstrated a negative correlation between dispositional awe and reactive aggression ( r = − .35 , p < .01). The link between dispositional awe and reactive aggression is mediated by trait anger ( β = − .201, 95% CI [−.25, −.15]) and self-control ( β = −.038, 95% CI [−.07, −.01]). Additionally, a serial mediation effect of trait anger and self-control was observed between dispositional awe and reactive aggression ( β = −.022, 95% CI [−.04, −.01]). This study reveals the relationship between dispositional awe and reactive aggression and its mechanism of effect which has some practical implications for the prevention and reduction of reactive aggression among college students.