Mediation and moderation effects of anxiety and dysfunctional attitude in the relationship between stress life events and aggression

Objective To explore the mediation and moderation effects of anxiety and dysfunctional attitude in the relationship between stress life events and aggression,and to provide basis for aggression prevention among college students.Methods A total of 991 college students from 12 universities in Shangdong province were investigated with Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI),Dysfunction Attitude Scale (DAS-A),Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC),and Buss Perry Questionnaire-Chinese version (AQ-CV).The mediation/moderation tests were based on Hayes' method.Results There were significant sex differences in aggression(Z=15.903,P<0.01).While sex was controlled,the relationships between stress life events and aggression were partially mediated by anxiety and dysfunctional attitude.The standardized indirect effects was 0.09 via the anxiety,and 0.11 via dysfunctional attitudes).Anxiety was a moderator of the relationship between stress life events and aggression(△R2=0.010,P<0.01).Conclusion Anxiety and dysfunctional attitude should be considered as important associated factors for aggression among college students.Targeting stress life events alone is not sufficient enough for aggression prevention,equal attention should be paid to perceptual and emotional factors.