The Moderating Effects of Trait Anger, Low Self-Control, and Prosocial Coping on the Relationship between Negative Emotionality and Aggressive Coping: An Experimental Study of General Strain Theory

This study tested hypotheses derived from general strain theory, including whether the disposition for crime (e.g., trait anger and low self-control) and prosocial coping moderate the link between state-based negative emotions and maladaptive coping. A 2x2 factorial vignette was embedded in a survey instrument and administered to a university-based sample (N = 503). The results from the regression models support different parts of general strain theory, such as the direct effect of strain on negative emotions, the effect of negative emotions on aggressive coping, and the mediating effect of negative emotions. Finally, the effect of some negative emotions on aggressive coping were moderated by trait anger, low self-control, and prosocial coping. The findings of this study support the argument that dispositions to maladaptive coping amplify the effects of negative emotion and underscore the importance of establishing prosocial coping resources. Keywords: emotions, general strain theory, low self-control, maladaptive coping