From self-control capabilities and the need to control others to proactive and reactive aggression among adolescents

The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between aspects of control (self-control capability and the need to control others) and forms of aggression (reactive and proactive). Data were derived from a structured questionnaire administered to 660 male and female adolescents with an average age of 14.99 years, from two urban schools in northern Israel. Findings demonstrate a negative association between the need to control others and the capability to control the self. Findings also show that proactive violence is especially associated with high need to control others, whereas reactive violence is linked more closely to low self-control capability. The effects of gender and age on control and aggression factors are also shown. Findings are discussed on both the behavioral and the motivational levels.