Network structure characteristics of trait aggression in children and adolescents based on psychometric network analysis
10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025199
- VernacularTitle:基于心理测量网络分析儿童青少年特质攻击的网络结构特征
- Author:
WANG Xu, LIU Yanling, WEI Mingchen, ZHU Ni, GENG Yibo, LIU Weijun, CHEN Shuai
1
Author Information
1. Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Mental health;
Network analysis;
Aggression;
Child;
Adolescents
- From:
Chinese Journal of School Health
2025;46(7):975-979
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the core features of trait aggression in children and adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical basis for behavioral interventions targeting the central psychological characteristics of aggression in children and adolescents.
Methods:From March to May 2020, a simple random convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 165 students from grades 4 to 12 in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Shandong. Data were collected via online questionnaires, with all participants completing the Chinese Version of the Aggression Questionnaire. Psychometric network analysis was utilized for data processing.
Results:Trait aggression among Chinese children and adolescents was at a moderately low level. The core nodes of the network structure included physical aggression [if someone intentionally causes trouble for me, I will hit them severely (AGG6); if someone hits me, I will retaliate (AGG11)] and self aggression [When I am very irritable, I think of hurting myself (AGG5); when I am in a bad mood, I engage in behaviors that harm my health, such as overeating (AGG25)]. Across grade levels, core nodes primarily originated from the anger dimension [When I m angry, I feel like a powder magazine that could explode at any moment (AGG13); I can t control my temper (AGG18); I am prone to getting angry when I see things that are not pleasing to the eye (AGG23); I will get angry for no reason (AGG27)]. Except for grades 7 and 9, core nodes in other grades included the verbal aggression dimension [I am prone to arguments with people (AGG22)]. Before grade 8, core nodes incorporated the self aggression dimension (AGG 5, AGG 25); after grade 8, core nodes included the physical aggression dimension [AGG 6, AGG 11, I fight slightly more than others (AGG16), and if people around me make things difficult for me to a certain extent, I will fight with them (AGG26)]. No statistically significant differences were found in the trait aggression network structures across grades, genders, or within gender comparisons of different grades.
Conclusion:These findings broaden our understanding of aggression in children and adolescents, suggesting that behavioral interventions can effectively reduce aggressive behaviors in this population.
