This study explored the role of Hostile Attribution Bias as a mediator in the relationship between Covert Narcissism and Reactive Aggression. A total of 392 young adults aged 19 to 35 completed measures assessing Reactive Aggression, Covert Narcissism...
This study explored the role of Hostile Attribution Bias as a mediator in the relationship between Covert Narcissism and Reactive Aggression. A total of 392 young adults aged 19 to 35 completed measures assessing Reactive Aggression, Covert Narcissism, Hostile Attribution Bias and Effortful Control.
The results of this study are as follows.
First, higher levels of Covert Narcissism were found to significantly increase Reactive Aggression. Second, Hostile Attribution Bias significantly mediated the relationship between Covert Narcissism and Reactive Aggression, indicating that Covert Narcissism influences Reactive Aggression both directly and indirectly through Hostile Attribution Bias. Third, the effect of Hostile Attribution Bias on Reactive Aggression significantly varied depending on the level of Effortful Control, confirming the moderating role of Effortful Control. Fourth, the indirect effect of Covert Narcissism on Reactive Aggression through Hostile Attribution Bias significantly decreased as Effortful Control increased. Specifically, the analysis revealed that higher levels of Effortful Control reduced the strength of the mediating effect, with this pattern observed across all groups(high, moderate, and low Effortful Control).
This study highlights both risk and protective factors for Reactive Aggression. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing Effortful Control may be particularly effective for individuals with Covert Narcissism and high Hostile Attribution Bias, especially in mitigating the emergence of Reactive Aggression.